Seniors at Pasadena Senior Center Find Hope and Resilience After Eaton Fire
Community Rebuilds After Eaton Fire’s Devastation
In January 2025, the Eaton Fire ravaged parts of Altadena, leaving many seniors without homes and community support. The Pasadena Senior Center stepped in to offer assistance and a sense of belonging to those affected.
The Altadena Senior Center had long been a refuge for residents within the San Gabriel Valley, providing camaraderie and connection. When the devastating Eaton Fire ignited on January 7, 2025, it quickly consumed the center, leaving a void in the lives of many seniors. In response, the Pasadena Senior Center opened its doors to those displaced by the blaze.
"We have a lot of hope," said Akila Gibbs, executive director of the Pasadena Senior Center. "We’re not going to let people walk through this by themselves. We’re going to be there."
The fire ignited in a canyon, fueled by strong winds, and spread rapidly into nearby neighborhoods. It ultimately scorched an area of 14,000 acres, resulting in the loss of 19 lives and the destruction of 9,400 buildings, marking it as the fifth-deadliest and second-most destructive wildfire in California’s history.
Mary Ellen Washington’s family had cherished their Altadena home since November 1976. An heirloom flower pot, which her mother had transported from their previous home, survived the fire and serves as a poignant reminder of their past. Washington credited her faith and the Pasadena Senior Center for helping her regain a sense of community.
"It was our special place," she reflected on her home. "It was hard to brush your hair. It was hard to do anything. Then, I started coming here."
As the anniversary of the Eaton and Palisades fires approaches, Washington expressed her gratitude for the supportive environment at the Pasadena Senior Center. "It’s good here. It’s a great place," she said, emphasizing its importance to those struggling to rebuild their lives.
Mercedes Matus also experienced her family’s home being destroyed by the flames. After relocating from Belize in 1986, the family had established deep roots in their Altadena residence, where they nurtured memories and even a lemon tree grown from seeds brought from their homeland.
The Matus family learned of their home’s destruction through news coverage. Despite the loss, they found solace at the Pasadena Senior Center. "We’re still together," Matus shared, adding that the center connected them with others facing similar challenges. "We’re going to keep on fighting."
Peter Matus, who works at the center, described it as a second home. "This was the one certainty they had in their lives," he noted.
On Monday morning, the Matus family received news that they had been approved for rebuilding permits for their property.
