One of the fire-impacted families supported by the Helping Hands Program at Beacon Housing.
Beacon Housing compassionately assists those who are vulnerable to homelessness to rebuild their lives in peace and stability. The organization focuses on securing both affordable permanent housing and transitional housing; it also offers education-centered supportive services and housing retention support.
In recent years, the Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) has supported Beacon Housing’s affordable housing with grant funding for facility improvements at its Garfield Agape Court, which offers 43 units at below-fair-market rates to low- and very-low income individuals and families.
DIRECT CASH assistance
Many of Beacon Housing’s current clients and alumni lost homes or have been displaced by the Eaton Fire, as have many from Beacon Housing’s partner organizations. Impacted clients had either transitioned into permanent housing that was then lost in the fire, or were in the process of moving into permanent housing that is now no longer viable.
In its second round of Phase 1 Eaton Fire funding, PCF granted Beacon Housing $25,000 for its Helping Hands Program, which provides up to $500 in direct cash assistance to individuals and families for emergency financial needs. As Palin Ngaotheppitak, Beacon Housing’s Executive Director, notes, “PCF’s grant brought relief to 50 families, allowing them a chance to start to restabilize their lives. We can’t thank you enough for your support in fulfilling our mission to bring stability and hope to those facing homelessness.”
Palin shared several stories from fire survivors who received Helping Hands funding. Here we share two of them:
Martha’s Story
“I’ve been living in Altadena since 2003, I love how Altadena has always made me feel safe and like there is a sense of community. My youngest daughter was raised in Altadena and went to high school in Altadena and her daughter was raised in Altadena. This is all my girls have known. . . . At 3:30am (on January 8), I received a loud notification asking me to evacuate. Afraid and in the dark, I phoned my daughter, and her husband picked me up. The drive was quiet in the car, but I was screaming inside. I knew that Altadena as I knew it would never be the same. We turned on the TV, and it was devastation after devastation. I watched my granddaughter’s elementary school burn down on the news, my neighbors, my local supermarket – everything gone. I have no idea when or IF I will be allowed back at the home that I’ve spent so much of my life renting. I’m living with my daughter, I’ve taken over my granddaughter’s bunk bed and her homework desk. I’m grateful to have my family, but I miss my Altadena neighbors (and) community-life.”
Adriana’s Story
“My home in Altadena I’ve lived in for 36 years has burned to the ground in the Eaton Fire. Leaving me with absolutely nothing. My parents are immigrants, and that house was everything they had to show for their sacrifices and hard work. Losing it has been beyond devastating for my family and me. I have lived in this house my entire life, I have lost more than material items. I have lost mementos, memories, and decades of my life. I am completely lost and have no idea where to begin to build my life back.” After receiving news of being approved for the Helping Hands Grant, Adriana wrote to Beacon Housing: “Thank you very much for everything. This organization is truly a blessing.”
Pasadena Community Foundation thanks Beacon Housing for its immediate and direct support of individuals and families impacted by the Eaton Fire.