Hope for Fire Victims at Wildfire Resource Hub

Kaiser Permanente opened its doors Monday to host the Wildfire Resource Hub, an event  aimed at helping families recover from the Eaton Fire devastation.

Organized by California Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), the six-day Wildfire Resource Hub is providing critical services, supplies, and support to hundreds of displaced individuals and families—all free of charge.

VOAD, a coalition of nonprofits dedicated to disaster relief, has been instrumental in creating a centralized space where survivors can access resources tailored to their immediate and long-term recovery needs. The event highlights the power of collaboration and the resilience of affected communities, with organizations like the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and faith-based groups like Hope Crisis Response playing pivotal roles.

VOAD Executive Director Kevin Cox explained the organization’s mission, saying, “Our responsibility is to provide free services to communities anytime a disaster occurs. This includes emotional, financial, and logistical support, all coordinated under one roof. It’s about ensuring no one is left behind in their recovery.”

While FEMA provides critical government assistance, the fair is designed to go beyond that, said Cox. “FEMA helps expedite funding, but what we offer here ensures families get through the entire process—from emotional care to property cleanup and even rebuilding,” they added.

Kaiser Permanente, the host of the event, was lauded by Cox for its unwavering support.

“Kaiser has been tremendous,” he said. “They cleared out this space for us, and their mobile unit is here to address urgent medical needs, like prescription refills for those who lost medications in the fires.”

The event offers a wide range of resources to address the diverse needs of fire victims. Families can access financial aid, including gift cards for essentials like food and housing, and pick up donated goods such as air purifiers, food supplies, and cleanup kits.

For those whose homes were destroyed, VOAD’s personal property recovery (PPR) teams help sift through the ashes to retrieve cherished belongings. “It’s an incredibly personal and emotional process,” said Cox, “and we’re here to support families through it.”

Medical and vision care are also on-site. Kaiser’s mobile unit provided immediate medical assistance, while the Tsu Chi mobile unit offered free eye exams and same-day glasses for those who lost theirs. “It’s amazing to see families walk out with brand-new glasses the same day,” Cox remarked.

Upstairs, a childcare area allows parents to focus on securing the resources they need while their kids play in a safe, supportive environment.

Snoopy, courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm, has been a heartwarming addition, spreading joy to children throughout the week. “Snoopy is here every day to love on the kids,” said Cox.

The comprehensive resource hub runs through Saturday, with daily hours from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. On Saturday, the event will conclude with a special pancake breakfast from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

By the end of the first day, organizers estimated that 500 to 800 individuals had already attended the event, underscoring the pressing need for such resources, weeks after the fire began.

A Model of Compassion and Resilience

The Wildfire Resource Hub represents the best of what happens when organizations, businesses, and volunteers come together to support those in need, said Cox. From financial aid to spiritual and emotional care, the event aims to rebuild not just homes, but lives.

“We’re here for the long haul,” Cox said. “This isn’t just about meeting immediate needs. It’s about ensuring families recover fully and can rebuild their lives with dignity.”