Pasadena Village Van Brings Fire Survivors Home After 10 Months

Ten months after fleeing the Eaton Fire, displaced older adults are finally moving back home, thanks to a van service funded by FireAid. 

Pasadena Village, a nonprofit serving seniors, purchased a hybrid Kia Carnival minivan with grant money from the January 2025 FireAid wildfire relief initiative. The organization also hired a part-time driver. 

The van has so far logged more than 30 trips, a Pasadena Village statement posted on social media said. It has helped members return to their homes after nearly a year of displacement. 

The service extends beyond moving assistance. It provides rides to recovery events, community meals and healing concerts. 

In one instance, the van helped a local artist retrieve her canvases. The artwork was displayed in an “Out of the Ashes” exhibit. 

The vehicle serves as a “third line of defense” for transportation needs, according to the organization’s statement. Seats can be removed to transport items for events or help members relocate belongings. 

Pasadena Village described itself as “a community of older adults from the greater Pasadena area who have joined together to help each other as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of aging.” 

FireAid was created following the Southern California wildfires to provide short-term relief and long-term recovery support. 

The van program is a pilot initiative. The organization hopes it will address ongoing transportation challenges facing seniors in the community. 

Pasadena Village plans to host a free OnTheGo Expo in November. The transportation fair will showcase mobility options for residents. For more information, visit https://pasadena.helpfulvillage.com/events/3970-onthego-expo.