Red Cross To Take Over Management Of Pasadena Convention Center Evacuation Site on Sunday

The Pasadena Convention Center is transitioning its emergency evacuation center operations to Red Cross management, marking a new phase in the city’s response to the 2025 Eaton Fire crisis. The facility at 300 E. Green St., which has been operating as a shelter since Tuesday evening, has served as a critical haven for displaced residents, accommodating up to 1,200 evacuees.

“Things are going well. City Pasadena Convention Center staff are working hard. We are transitioning to the Red Cross taking over tomorrow, and right now we’re in the midst of setting up for dinner and moving in the rest of the portable showers,” said Michael Ross, CEO of the Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau, Convention Center and Civic Auditorium, Saturday afternoon.

The center’s population has fluctuated since its opening.

“Right now, we know there’s roughly 600 people here,” Ross said. “We know at one time there was about a thousand.”

Comprehensive support services at the facility include a wide variety of free food services, free shelter accommodations, with the Humane Society providing on-site boarding for small pets. Service animals are permitted inside the center, and evacuees have access to free parking at The Paseo and Marengo Parking Garages across the street.

Mental health services are also available to those affected by the fire.

The facility has been operating continuously since Tuesday at 8:00 p.m., with recent improvements focused on evacuee comfort.

“Bringing the showers in is going to be a huge thing. Now people will be able to shower. They’ll be able to clean up and feel comfortable,” Ross said.

Meanwhile, evacuees lined up for FEMA assistance from workers stationed at the shelter.

“Today, we are providing assistance for people on how to apply for FEMA assistance,” said Lori Sanchez, section chief for the FEMA Qualifications System Administration Section.

“We do have an 800 number and a website, but if they would like to speak to someone directly who can help them get registered, we have folks here.”

According to Sanchez, FEMA can provide rental assistance, funds for home health care, along with a number of other types of assistance.

At least 75 people visited with FEMA workers today, said Sanchez.

On Friday, January 10, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited the center, offering support and helping distribute food to evacuees. As of January 11, the center has reached full capacity for both donations and volunteers, demonstrating a strong community engagement in the relief effort.