In a complex on West Woodbury Road, straddling the border between Pasadena and Altadena, residents are creating a new approach to disaster recovery— one driven by the people and communities affected by the Eaton Fire. The building is home to The Collaboratory, a community hub where fire survivors can gather and recover together, find vetted resources, and connect with organizations that provide vital services. This space is also home to two other important resources for those impacted by the fire: the Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG) and the Community Recovery Group (CRG).
The Eaton Fire Collaborative—a coalition of local community organizations supporting residents affected by the fire—created the LTRG to focus on the needs of the most vulnerable impacted residents, while the CRG provides support and guidance to the broader group of fire survivors. Research shows that LTRGs are a uniquely effective way to support and sustain disaster relief work, serving as umbrella organizations that unite nonprofits, community-based organizations, faith-based groups, philanthropy, businesses, and government partners under a single coordinated effort.
Recognizing the power of a community-led recovery process, Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) committed its support early in the formation of the Eaton Fire Collaborative, providing its first grant, $46,000, in May of 2025 to help develop their board, leadership, and governance.
A Home for Survivorship
After its formation soon after the fire, the Eaton Fire Collaborative identified the need for a centralized space where residents impacted by the fire could find support. PCF, the California Community Foundation, and other funders provided the group with $975,000—including a $200,000 grant from PCF and a matching grant from Altadena Builds Back Foundation partner Molly Munger—to secure the location on Woodbury Road and launch the Collaboratory to bring trusted organizations and resources together under one roof. The Collaboratory offers all involved entities with an efficient way to share resources, costs, and goals.
Community members speak with representatives from local nonprofits at The Collaboratory’s grand opening on October 7, 2025.
As Eaton Fire Collaborative Vice Chair Bree Jensen noted, “We are survivors helping survivors. This Collaboratory is more than just a physical space—it’s a home for survivorship and a testament to our communities’ ability to not only survive but thrive.”
A recent survey by the Eaton Fire Collaborative found that 45% of homeowners and almost three-quarters of renters who lost their homes are still looking for housing. The expansive Collaboratory enables fire-affected residents to connect to a range of services and support, such as housing navigation, rebuilding guidance, mental and physical health care, economic resources, emergency and basic needs supplies, community and cultural healing, and more.
“We support a recovery effort that is created by and for those affected by the fire. Community is our greatest strength, and the Collaboratory will play a vital role in connecting fire survivors with the support they need to rebuild their homes and their lives. We are proud to partner with the Eaton Fire Collaborative to support this vital work.”
Jeannine Bogaard, Vice President of Community Impact at the Pasadena Community Foundation
Brandon Lamar, LTRG Treasurer, leads a tour of The Collaboratory warehouse where fire survivors can pick up a range of supplies.
