In a swift response to the devastating Eaton Fire the Armenian-American community in Pasadena and Altadena has transformed the Jivalagian Youth Center into an emergency relief hub, coordinating a multi-organizational effort to support displaced residents and damaged institutions, Pasadena Now reports.
“It’s been quite devastating. The carnage has been tremendous and so many victims that we know of the Armenian American community, and of course many of our Pasadena residents have been affected by this as well. Most, if not all, have lost their homes entirely,” said Danny L. Donabedian, chairperson of the Armenian National Committee (ANCA) Pasadena Chapter.
The Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) has taken a leading role, maintaining round-the-clock operations at the center for ten consecutive days. Their efforts have focused on distributing essential supplies, including food, clothing, batteries, flashlights, and infant necessities to affected residents.
The fire has dealt a particularly severe blow to Armenian educational institutions. The Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School in Altadena was completely destroyed, while other institutions including Tavlian Pre-School and St. Gregory A. & M. Hovsepian Armenian School were forced to suspend operations, though some buildings escaped major structural damage.
The crisis has prompted visits from key elected officials: Congresswoman Judy Chu, State Senator Sasha Renee Perez, and State Assemblymember John Harabedian have all toured the Jivalagian Youth Center to assess needs and offer support.
ANCA has established a comprehensive support network, disseminating critical information about FEMA assistance, insurance claims, and property tax matters through regular email updates. Working in partnership with AYF, they have established a dedicated call center offering Armenian language services and guidance for navigating local, state, and federal aid applications.
The response from the broader community has been overwhelming, according to Donabedian: “Many people from all walks of life in LA County, they just came by and dropped off all of the necessary needs that people who have lost their own needed, they have been fantastic. We can’t praise them enough. Very selfless. They came in, grows daily with their cars and SUVs piled up with basic necessities. We don’t even know who they are. They’re just people from all walks of life who just decided to come and help. Very refreshing, very welcoming. Of course. We appreciated that tremendously, and that’s where it was at, to be honest.”
Religious institutions have joined the relief effort, with churches in Pasadena, Glendale, Montebello, and Encino opening their facilities to displaced families. The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western U.S. Central Committee has expanded the support network by establishing additional community centers to serve as evacuation shelters.
