Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Schiff, Chu Visit Altadena Recovery Hub, Urge Federal Support for Pasadena-Area Wildfire Survivors

U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff and Rep. Judy Chu toured a community-led recovery center in Altadena last week, calling for expanded federal aid to support Pasadena-area residents displaced by recent wildfires in the San Gabriel Mountains.

The Nov. 14 visit to The Collaboratory, a hub for long-term recovery services, included a roundtable with survivors, local organizers, and leaders from the Pasadena Job Center and the National Day Laborer Organizing Network. The event was co-hosted by NDLON and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, known as CHIRLA.

Schiff praised the center’s model as “a beacon of hope and a model for community-led recovery,” according to a Nov. 17 press release from his office. “We know that climate change is making fires more frequent and more intense, and we must ensure that communities like Altadena and Pasadena get the support they need to recover and rebuild.”

Chu emphasized the importance of equitable access to federal disaster relief. “We must ensure that federal disaster relief is accessible to everyone, regardless of immigration status,” she said. “Undocumented immigrants and day laborers were among the hardest hit, and their recovery must not be overlooked.”

The Collaboratory, located on West Woodbury Road, was established to centralize services for wildfire survivors, including housing assistance, legal aid, and mental health support. Community members shared personal accounts of displacement and recovery challenges during the roundtable.

Pablo Alvarado, co-director of NDLON, joined the discussion and underscored the need for inclusive recovery policies. “This center is not just about services — it’s about dignity and justice for those who are often excluded from disaster response,” he said.

While no specific legislation was announced during the visit, Schiff and Chu pledged to advocate for improved coordination between federal agencies and local recovery groups. Their offices said future proposals may address gaps exposed by the region’s wildfire response.

The Collaboratory remains open to the public and continues to serve residents across Altadena, Pasadena, and surrounding foothill communities. More information is available at eatonfirecollaborative.org.