Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Community Groups Offer Healing, Food Distribution for Wildfire Survivors

Events scheduled Tuesday provide emotional support and emergency supplies for Eaton Fire victims

Two community support events will offer help Tuesday for residents still recovering from the devastating Eaton Fire that struck Altadena in January.

The Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM) will host a healing circle from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Center for Restorative Justice. The group is partnering with local community leaders to provide wildfire recovery support.

The event, Heart Space Pasadena, is described as a Black-led and culturally competent healing circle and peer support program. It will be held at 75 N. Marengo Ave., Suite 314.

“BEAM is working in partnership and collaboration with community leaders from Pasadena/Altadena to bring Heart Space to folks needing to process the aftermath of the recent wildfires,” according to organizers. “We’re holding space for collective healing and answering the call to show up by offering resources rooted in care, connection, and restoration.”

Earlier that day, the Hollywood Food Coalition will distribute free produce bags from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The distribution will happen at Bob Lucas Memorial Library in Altadena. The library recently reopened Aug. 16 after renovation.

“Impacted by the Eaton Fire? Stop by the Altadena Library to pick up a bag of fresh produce, courtesy of Hollywood Food Coalition,” the library announced. “Supplies are limited, first come, first served! If you can, please bring your own extra bags!”

The Hollywood Food Coalition has hosted 16 Mobile Pantries in Altadena in recent months. The organization’s mission is to nourish the community “by rescuing and distributing food, preparing nightly meals, and uniting efforts to achieve food equity.”

The Eaton Fire destroyed more than 9,400 structures in Altadena and killed 19 people. The Community Coalition for Altadena Recovery was chartered by LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger to guide wildfire recovery efforts.

The Center for Restorative Justice was founded in summer 2016 to create “a soft place for hard conversations.” It operates from First Baptist Church Pasadena.

Additional support is available through the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health’s 24-hour helpline at (800) 854-7771. The National Disaster Distress Helpline offers support at (800) 985-5990.