Western Justice Center Leads Recovery Effort After Devastating Eaton Fires in Pasadena

The Western Justice Center has initiated a comprehensive response to support thousands of residents displaced by the recent Eaton Fires in Pasadena, California, organization officials announced Monday.

More than 300 Pasadena Unified School District staff members lost their homes in the fires, while thousands of students were forced to relocate, a WJC statement said.

Drawing from its experience supporting schools through crises like the pandemic and school violence, WJC recently conducted community-building circles for over 900 educators and administrators.

As part of its ongoing five-year partnership with PUSD, these sessions provided educators tools to process trauma and support affected students, with LA County Office of Education members attending to coordinate additional mental health counselors.

“Educators are essential to ensuring that students feel supported and safe, but they can only do that if they themselves are emotionally present and feel supported,” said Elissa Barrett, WJC Executive Director.

The impact extends beyond schools, with more than 4,000 nonprofits located within or near fire perimeters, and over 1,500 organizations directly threatened by the Eaton Fire, according to the Center for Nonprofit Management.

WJC’s four-building campus, currently home to nearly 20 organizations, is offering two remaining spaces with the first month rent-free to displaced groups, officials said. Its Maxwell House facility at 55 S. Grand Avenue will be open for free meetings to displaced nonprofits Monday through Friday, with evening and weekend availability upon request.

“At Western Justice Center, being a good neighbor means standing with our community in times of crisis,” said Colin Dueweke, WJC Director of Operations.

Organizations including the California Regional Environmental Education Community Network, Pasadena LINKS, and Planned Parenthood of San Gabriel Valley have begun using the meeting space on a regular basis.

The center is also providing both in-person and virtual weekly free group therapy sessions, led by licensed therapist Joanne Kiaz-Koegl, for fire-affected residents, on Wednesday evenings.

WJC will also host free legal clinics for FEMA applicants on Feb. 7 and 22, presented by Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County and Legal Aid of Los Angeles.

WJC serves as the largest Conflict Resolution Education provider in LA County, working with more than 30 schools across eight Districts and improving learning environments for over 30,000 students.

For more information about WJC fire recovery services, visit westernjustice.org/eaton-fire-resources or call (626) 584-7494.