Eaton Fire
Friends In Deed is deeply grateful for the overwhelming support and generosity we’ve received since the devastating Eaton Fire. Thanks to grants, donations, and community partnerships, we’ve been able to provide critical assistance to those affected. This page highlights how these resources have been put to work and what we are preparing for in the weeks and months ahead.
The Women's Room
We had several staff that were directly affected by the fire, either losing their homes or being permanently displaced, particularly in The Women’s Room. We have given them extended paid leaves of absence to make sure they have the time and support they need to navigate their difficult situations. We have also hired temporary TWR staff so that the program can continue to function at full capacity.
Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance
We have designated $50,000 for rental assistance, specifically for households impacted by the Eaton Fire. So far, Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance (EPRA) has spent $2,500 of that amount to assist three households with additional rental assistance, but plans to spend the remaining amount within the next 4-6 months.
Street Outreach and Housing
We have allocated $110,000 to emergency motels to allow up to 30 households to stay in motels for the next month.
We have hired two temporary staff for the Street Outreach and Housing team: a data specialist to help with the uptick in reports and information needed for the database; and another housing navigator/case manager to support with the increased number of people needing assistance, as well as helping those who have already been matched to housing before the fire.
Additional Resources
We were given $15,000 in gift cards from Tournament of Roses in conjunction with the Albertson’s Foundation, which have been distributed to families who either lost their homes or lost their employment from the Eaton Fire, approximately 145 households. We will also be purchasing another $15,000 in Target gift cards to distribute in the coming weeks as people’s needs become more apparent with finding new places to live.
In addition to all of this immediate assistance, we are planning to have funds saved for the medium and long-term needs that we know will continue to arise, especially as FEMA and insurance benefits begin to run out for many people.
If you or someone you know is in need of support while recovering from the Eaton Fire, please visit our Programs page to learn more about our services and see how we may be able to help.