Hundreds of Caltech and JPL Community Members Lose Homes, Relief Fund Launched

A disaster relief fund was launched to help hundreds of Caltech and JPL community members who lost their homes in the Eaton Fire.

“In times of hardship, loss, and uncertainty, we depend on the collegiality, caring, and resilience of our community,” the Caltech Fund announced. “Every gift to this fund will support individuals whose lives have been interrupted by this tragedy, whether they’ve lost their homes or are experiencing some other dire situation due to this crisis.”

Thomas F. Rosenbaum, Caltech’s Sonja and William Davidow Presidential Chair and Professor of Physics, confirmed that “at least 200 Caltech community members have lost their homes to the fires that continue to burn throughout the Pasadena and Greater Los Angeles areas. Thousands more have been displaced, and still others face power outages, poor air quality, and other challenges.”

While the fires pose no direct threat to campus currently, the institution has implemented immediate support measures following a limited reopening.

These include establishing charging stations and shower facilities in athletic buildings for those without basic utilities.

Debris and other hazards created by recent winds have been cleared, and limited damage to campus buildings is being addressed. Both dining services and athletic facilities are fully operational.

Both Caltech and  JPL are monitoring air quality levels in residences and classrooms as it prepares to resume classes on Monday, January 13.

Mental and physical health services have been made available to the community.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to students, staff, and faculty—as well as our wider community of first responders, elected officials, public agencies, alumni, parents, and friends—who have rallied individually and collectively to protect each other’s safety, the region’s well-being, and Caltech’s mission of research and education,” Rosenbaum said.

The Caltech and JPL Disaster Relief Fund will provide direct assistance to affected students, postdocs, staff, faculty, and JPL employees who have experienced losses or hardships due to the emergency. Updates about the ongoing situation are being communicated through the Caltech Alerts system and posted on caltech.edu/emergency, with the community urged to remain vigilant in their care for themselves and one another.

The fund is online here.