Red Cross to Offer Second Round of Financial Aid to Wildfire Victims in Altadena Area Starting This Week

The American Red Cross will begin offering a second phase of financial assistance starting April 29 for people whose primary homes were located within the Eaton Fire burn perimeters.

The majority of eligible households will receive invitations to apply for the assistance through emails, text message or phone calls directly from the American Red Cross.

The organization said it will use contact information already collected or verified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“This second phase of financial assistance will allow people to continue their recovery, and these funds can be used to help offset the costs of recovery-related needs or impact,” the Red Cross said in its announcement.

Residents who believe they qualify but do not receive an invitation can visit enrollment sites in the Pasadena area between April 29 and May 13 to speak with American Red Cross caseworkers in person.

To qualify, heads of household may need to confirm their identity, residency and proof of damage. Acceptable identification documents include U.S. or foreign passports, government-issued driver’s licenses or ID cards, permanent resident cards or consular identification.

Documents to validate proof of residence can include a deed, mortgage statement, lease or rental agreement on property letterhead signed by landlord, monthly utility bill, bank statement, or official documents such as mail from a child’s school or vehicle insurance card.

The American Red Cross noted that receiving their financial support will not affect eligibility for government assistance, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or the amount of funds received. Officials strongly encourage affected residents to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency at DisasterAssistance.gov.

The organization told Altadenans that it will not request social security numbers to provide wildfire assistance and advised residents to report any such requests to local law enforcement.

Local enrollment sites include:

• First African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1700 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA: April 29 – May 3, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Pasadena Community Job Center, 500 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA: May 5 – 7, 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E Holly St, Pasadena, CA: May 8, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. and May 9, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Lake Avenue Church, 393 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA: May 12, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.