Sunday, September 28, 2025

Locals Turn To Each Other To Build Back Stronger

[photo credit: Day One]

Pasadena nonprofit Day One brings together families for skill-sharing, bike repair, and sustainable rebuilding strategies at Sunday event

When the Eaton Fire swept through Altadena and Pasadena communities in January, it didn’t just destroy homes—it transformed how local organizations think about disaster recovery. Sunday, Day One will host a community brunch that puts fire survivors themselves in charge of designing solutions for rebuilding stronger and more sustainably.

The Resiliency Studio Brunch, running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on September 28, at Day One’s lawn facility at 175 N. Euclid Ave. in Pasadena, offers fire-impacted families hands-on workshops in sustainable living skills.

The free, family-friendly event features five workshop stations including bike repair, composting, clean cooking demonstrations, rain gardens, and wildlife-friendly landscaping, along with birdhouse building activities and seedling distribution through Crop Swap LA.

A panel discussion on sustainable rebuilding practices and Zone Zero policy will complement the hands-on activities.

“The Resiliency Studio vision actually started out of having a hub where folks can learn about sustainability,” said Nancy Verdin, director of environmental education and engagement at Day One. “However, we’ve expanded that after January … so that we can support fire-impacted families while also seeing where we can fit in sustainability into that vision.”

The 38-year-old community nonprofit that focuses on advancing public health, empowering youth, and enhancing climate resilience has already distributed over 300 bikes to fire-impacted families, with on-site mechanics providing tune-ups during Sunday’s event.

A licensed art therapist will guide participants in painting birdhouses as symbols of rebuilding hope.

These practical offerings reflect a deeper philosophy shaped by Day One staff members who were themselves directly affected by the fires.

Verdin says the event evolved from Day One staff members, some of whom were “unfortunately … affected directly.”

“They really helped shape what they believe should be part of the event,” Verdin explained. “As a director, I’m listening to them: What do we need? What are we missing? Where are my blind spots?”

This community-driven approach, supported by Lisa Odigie, communications and anti-displacement program director, extends to addressing concerns about gentrification and displacement as neighborhoods rebuild.

“How do we keep our residents able to rebuild in the area with just sustainable solutions in mind? We’re saying we don’t have all the solutions, but just have the conversation,” Verdin said. “This is definitely the space to offer alternative solutions — sustainability doesn’t have to be this big scary thing. It’s very tangible and there’s different ways that we can be part of that.”

Sunday’s brunch serves as a kickoff for the larger Fire Collaboratory, scheduled to open on October 7.

This expanded space will house multiple nonprofits, creating a one-stop resource center where rebuilding families won’t need to visit multiple offices during recovery. As part of Greenbuild’s 2025 Legacy Project, Day One’s Resiliency Studio for Sustainable Recovery represents a scalable model for community-centered disaster recovery.

Registration is “highly, highly encouraged” to ensure adequate food and resources, though walk-ins are welcome.

Guests are asked to avoid wearing clothing with large or visible logos because the event will be filmed and photographed.

For more information, click here.

Sunday, September 28, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Day One’s lawn facility, 175 N. Euclid Ave., Pasadena. For more call (626) 429-5253 or visit bit.ly/studiobrunch. Free.