DENA Relief Drive Set to Ramp Up Services for Affected Pasadena Families This Weekend

A week-long relief effort serving families affected by the Eaton Fire said it will expand its services this weekend to include free haircuts and health screenings, organizers said Wednesday.

The DENA Relief Drive, which reports assisting more than 1,000 families and distributing over $30,000 in gift cards in just one week, will operate from Friday, Jan. 17, through Sunday, Jan. 19.

Community leader Brandon Lamar is spearheading the initiative, which has mobilized hundreds of volunteers to support families impacted by the devastating fire, according to Pasadenans Organizing for Progress (POP).

Mental health professionals will provide on-site support at 236 W Mountain Street, Unit 106 alongside the free haircuts on Friday, while registered nurses from Service Employees International Union Local 121 will conduct health screenings during Saturday’s services.

The weekend’s activities will conclude Sunday at the Flintridge Center with a focused distribution of collected donations, though organizers note no new donations will be collected on the final day.

The relief drive, supported by organizations including Neighborhood Servants, the Flintridge Center, POP, and Juicy Little Finds, is developing plans for long-term recovery assistance.

These plans include securing sustainable funding for ongoing financial support, organizing community advocacy efforts specifically focused on historically marginalized residents, and ensuring access to public and private assistance.

For more information about the weekend’s expanded services or long-term recovery initiatives, contact Cassandra Beale at cbeale@poppasadena.org.