The Altadena Recovery Team- Wildfire Relief

Wildfire relief

San Gabriel Valley

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

As Altadena and Pasadena residents deeply impacted by the fires, we have an intimate understanding of our community’s needs during the long rebuilding process. Altadena’s culture prioritizes neighbors over self, something that shines in times of celebration and strain alike. During disasters like wildfires, our community often gives so much to others that we forget to care for ourselves.
ART was created to ease this emotional and financial toll by offering essential supplies that reflect our community’s evolving needs. Many of those we serve were both impacted by the fires and are helping others, placing added financial strain on their households. Our Saturday Drives offer free, no-hassle access to vital items like toilet paper, food, clothing, bedding, and pet supplies.
We also aim to create healing spaces and support mental wellness through community events and seasonal aid, such as back-to-school and holiday drives. Our community is resilient, but we shouldn’t have to rebuild alone.

Weekly donation & giveaway drives: Distribute essential items like food, clothing, school supplies, hygiene items, and culturally appropriate hair products.
Personal shopping: When needed supplies aren’t donated, we purchase them based on family surveys detailing sizes, needs, and preferences.
Gift cards: Provide families with gift cards to buy essential supplies directly, based on needs shared with our team.
Delivery services: We deliver items to displaced or mobility-limited individuals to ensure equitable access to support. This service ensures that community members displaced outside of the area have access to necessary support services.
Community healing activities: We organize wellness-focused events such as fitness classes, community healing spaces, and other gatherings designed to foster resilience and well-being.
Community education: We will partner with agencies and nonprofits to share fire recovery resources through tabling and outreach at community events.
Scholarships: We are creating a scholarship to support students attending an institution of higher education who were impacted by the wildfires. Bill James Scholarship in honor of the grandparents of one of our founders, a lifelong Altadena resident, committed to supporting the education of his own family and countless others in Altadena, however they could. Bill recently lost his home of over 60 years in the fires, and passed away shortly after.

Los Angeles County will have a more equitable, community-led disaster recovery system that empowers residents, to shape local planning and rebuilding efforts.
Prioritize community-led, equitable disaster recovery that empowers residents to take active roles in planning, decision-making, and rebuilding efforts
Ensure marginalized communities receive targeted support and resources
Provide residents with consistent access to essential services, including emergency supplies, mental health counseling, and culturally relevant assistance
Build a sustainable network of mutual aid groups and grassroots organizers that connect neighbors and resources to mobilize quickly in response to crises
Advocate for local and county policy changes centered on care and embedding resilience into government disaster response frameworks
Transform disaster response systems to be more inclusive and prepared by integrating community voices, improving coordination, and prioritizing preventive measures