Pasadena Unified School District Hosts Community Healing Gathering

The Pasadena Unified School District organized a community gathering on Friday, Jan. 17 to help students, families, and staff begin healing together following a devastating fire that displaced many and destroyed homes in the District. The “Pasadena Unified Community Connector” event held at Pasadena City College marked the first time the community reunited since the fire began.

“It was truly wonderful to see our students, staff, families, and community partners reconnect. Kids laughed and played, and staff and families shared much-needed moments of healing and support. We are so grateful to everyone who made the event possible, including Pasadena City College and those who provided free food, music, art, and healing activities. The event did a world of good for everyone involved and is propelling me and the entire response team to keep going,” Dr. Elizabeth Blanco wrote in messages to the school community.

Hundreds of community members attended the event in Pasadena City College Parking Lot 3, which featured free food, music, art therapy activities, and essential resources. Students engaged in art therapy while parents connected with the enrollment team and gathered supplies from resource booths. Community members wrote heartfelt messages to staff members who lost their homes, sharing stories of evacuation, loss, and resilience.

After the fire struck, the District implemented immediate support measures, including Grab and Go meal distribution centers, self-directed study curricula, free childcare services, and housing assistance coordination. 

Officials began cleaning and sanitizing schools to ensure a safe return for students. 

“Pasadena Unified School District is committed to the well-being of students, especially during times of crisis,” the District said in a community email, emphasizing that “schools are where students can build social skills and learn healthy ways to cope with stress.”

“To our students who lost homes, who were evacuated, who are still displaced — we are here for you. To our staff members directly impacted by the fire — your Pasadena Unified School District family stands with you. And to our entire community — thank you for showing up today, for supporting one another, and for demonstrating what makes our school District truly special,” wrote Dr. Blanco.

District departments, including Enrollment, Student Wellness & Support, and the Parent Resource Center, provided information about available services at the event. 

“We will reopen. We will rebuild our community. We will rise,” declared Dr. Blanco.