Six months after the tragic Eaton Fire claimed 18 lives and devastated over 9,400 structures, community leaders and local residents are coming together for a vigil on Monday evening. The memorial, set to take place at 7 p.m. at 181 E. Las Flores Drive—close to where victim Evelyn McClendon resided—aims to honor those lost and support the ongoing rebuilding efforts in the wake of the disaster.
Organized by a coalition of community organizations, including LA Voice, Black Events LA, the Pasadena NAACP Branch, My Tribe Rise, and the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, the vigil seeks to remind everyone that the spirits of the deceased continue to inspire advocacy and community solidarity.
Pablo Alvarado, co-executive director of the National Day Labor Organizing Network, expressed the importance of the event, stating, “Eighteen souls, who passed away. And we want to let them know that they didn’t die in vain, that they’re bringing our communities together.”
As survivors navigate the daunting challenges of rebuilding, many face a housing crisis exacerbated by expired emergency housing funds. Heavenly Hughes, executive director of My Tribe Rise, noted that several families who lost everything now find themselves at risk of becoming unhoused, as they battle extensive delays and disputes with insurance companies regarding coverage for their properties.
“The insurance disputes have emerged as the primary obstacle to rebuilding,” Hughes stated, emphasizing that long-standing insurance policies often fail to meet current rebuilding costs. “Many of the clients that we have have had their insurance policies for decades that have not been updated to cover such loss.”
In response to the financial impact of the fire, the Pasadena Branch of the NAACP has channeled over $5 million to affected families through various partnerships. However, organization president Brandon Lamar highlighted that financial aid alone cannot address the challenges that families face, noting that many are still grappling with their insurance providers.
“The real thing about recovery is that it takes resources for families in order for them to recover,” Lamar explained, stressing the importance of accountability and systemic changes in disaster recovery efforts.
Looking toward the future, the organizers emphasize the necessity of inclusive recovery methods, which rely heavily on the contributions of migrant and day laborers essential for rebuilding efforts. Alvarado pointed out that the recovery process cannot move forward without these workers.
Moreover, Lamar called for a proactive approach to preventing potential future disasters, advocating for infrastructure improvements, such as moving power lines underground, to enhance community safety in the rebuilding process.
This memorial serves not only as a remembrance of those lost but also as a call to action, urging the community and authorities to come together in solidarity and support for rebuilding their lives and homes.