Recovery Takes a Village: Red Cross and Partners Continue Community Support

Carolina Ramirez and her children, Miguel, 7, and Alexandra, 9, browse resource tables at the Red Cross hosted Multi-Agency Resoruce Center in Pasadena. Photos by Mimi Teller/American Red Cross.

By Diego Valenzuela/American Red Cross

In January, the Eaton Fire forced Carolina Ramirez and her children from their home. Like many families impacted by the LA Fires, they faced the challenge of rebuilding their lives after losing nearly everything.

Carolina received two consecutive rounds of financial assistance from the American Red Cross, which helped her replace belongings lost in the fire and supported her family’s recovery process. She used the funds to purchase school supplies, clothing, shoes, toys, and other essential items her children needed.

As part of the recovery process, Carolina and her two children visited the Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) in Pasadena, where she accessed resources, services and information from multiple organizations, including the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Hope International Crisis Response, and 2-1-1 LA. She also met with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, which offered free lead blood testing and information for fire survivors concerned about exposure from homes built before 1978.

"We are grateful for the generosity and support the American Red Cross provided us." said Carolina Ramirez, two-time recipient of Red Cross financial assistance.

LA County Public Health and LA Regional Food Bank were both on hand at the resource center to provide information, needed services and hope for those rebuilding their lives following the LA Fires.

Through its long-term recovery program, the Red Cross has worked with community partners to host MARCs near the impacted Altadena and Palisades communities. These centers provide ongoing support, services and access to vital resources for individuals and families working to recover.

The Red Cross provides more than shelter and meals in times of disaster. Through financial assistance and long-term recovery efforts, the Red Cross helps families like Carolina’s take the next steps toward rebuilding.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

May 21, 2025