ALTADENA (CNS) – Eaton Fire survivors and housing advocates Thursday are expected to call on state lawmakers to include a proposed $25 million recovery fund in California’s final budget, arguing the aid is needed to help residents rebuild and avoid displacement.
The news conference is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday at 42 E. Manor St. in Altadena, days before the Legislature’s June 15 budget deadline.
Advocates are urging state leaders to fund the proposed Community Aid for Rebuilding and Equity (CARE) Fund, introduced by state Sen. Sasha Renee Perez, D-Pasadena. Supporters said the program would help homeowners cover rebuilding gaps and support efforts to preserve and restore affordable housing in communities affected by the Eaton Fire.
According to organizers, California has already funded debris removal, emergency response and infrastructure recovery efforts following the fire, but no program currently exists to provide direct rebuilding assistance for many survivors.
Supporters contend the proposed fund would help displaced residents return to their communities and prevent permanent displacement of fire victims.
Housing advocates working on recovery efforts said many fire-impacted residents continue to face financial and housing challenges months after the disaster.
“State disaster relief is needed immediately. Funding is the biggest barrier to recovery for our fire survivors,” Denise Bowman, co-chair of the Eaton Fire Collaborative’s Emergency Housing and Stabilization Committee, said in a statement.
Speakers scheduled to appear at Thursday’s event include fire survivors Kai Timbadia and Adam Frankle, along with representatives of the Eaton Fire Collaborative and housing advocacy organizations.
“I believe it does not have to stay this way for the families of Altadena,” Timbadia said. “The CARE Fund is a beacon of hope, and the path forward for a community that is desperately trying to heal itself.”
Organizers described the proposal as the final opportunity this year for state leaders to establish a dedicated fire-recovery aid program before the state budget is finalized.
The Eaton Fire burned more than 14,000 acres, killed 19 people and destroyed nearly 7,000 homes and businesses.
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