Monday, March 31, 2025

Symposium to Address Housing Crisis for Thousands Displaced by Eaton Fire

Community coalition organizes expert panels, resource fair for residents seeking interim housing solutions

A local coalition will host a symposium this week aimed at developing immediate housing solutions for thousands of residents still displaced by the devastating Eaton Fire.

The Altadena Coalition announced the Interim Housing Symposium will take place Wednesday, April 2 from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at their headquarters at 409 E. Woodbury Road in Altadena.

Former Pasadena Mayor and State Assemblymember Chris Holden will host the fair.

The event comes as thousands of locals remain without stable housing in the wake of the Eaton Fire evacuations. Thousands face potential homelessness without proper intervention, according to organizers.

“Our goal is to prevent mass homelessness by crafting practical, inclusive, and scalable solutions—especially for renters, uninsured families, and multigenerational households excluded from traditional recovery programs,” the coalition said in its announcement.

The symposium will feature a resource fair designed to connect attendees with local, County and state agencies offering housing support.

Two panel discussions form the core of the event. Los Angeles Times reporter Coleen Shalby will moderate a housing expert panel at 5:15 p.m., followed by a government officials panel at 6:30 p.m. moderated by Liam Dillon. Dillon covers the issues of housing affordability and neighborhood change across California for the Los Angeles Times.

The government panel will focus on “policy solutions, funding, and long-term housing plans,” according to the agenda.

Multiple organizations are partnering with the coalition, including Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration, My Tribe Rise, the Altadena Farmers Market, Los Angeles Times, World Central Kitchen and LA Fire Stove, organizers said.

The evening will conclude with food, networking opportunities and continued access to the resource fair until 8:30 p.m. A children’s play area will be available during the event.

The symposium will address various interim housing needs spanning from emergency shelter solutions (1 day) to transitional housing support for up to two years during the rebuilding process.

Topics will include emergency housing, short-term rental assistance, modular and prefabricated solutions, use of vacant properties or repurposing of existing structures, and financing and insurance, according to the announcement.

“We will get the answers we need, together,” the coalition said, encouraging community members struggling with housing stability to attend for “community, conversation, and concrete assistance.”

Those interested in providing resources, contributing, volunteering or hosting a free table at the resource fair should email freddy@thealtadena.com or call 310-877-5033. Additional information is available at www.thealtadena.org.