Eaton fire victims ask SCE for $200,000 for families who are still displaced
Dozens of residents say there's no Christmas spirit almost a year after the tragedy
Gabriel Sanchez, 40,'s eyes well up as he recalls that he has no home to live in and that he has spent the last eight months of his life day and night inside his car.
Although he decided to spend Thanksgiving alone, he plans to visit his sister for Christmas, Although he didn't want to upset her or him family.
“I think she suspects things aren't right with me,” said Sanchez, who owned a plumbing company that generated $500,000 in annual revenue. “Today I have nothing but the clothes I have inside my car.”
Gabriel and dozens of survivors of the Eaton Fire in Altadena are demanding that Southern California Edison provide temporary housing assistance to those who—like him—are still facing serious difficulties getting by.
Joy Chen, executive director of the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, noted that 80% of the 10,000 affected are still displaced and many are running out of funds for housing. The coalition is demanding that Southern California Edison (SCE), the electric company responsible for the fire, provide $200,000 in emergency housing assistance for each displaced family. The city had a population of 43,000 residents, so the housing crisis is hindering recovery after the fire, said members of the Eaton Survivors Coalition, who urged SCE to take action in the face of the destruction of 9,400 structures, including 6,000 homes, and to respond to the approximately 15,000 or more residents or people who rented their apartments. Without a job and without money: “People in the community have helped me with food,” said Gabriel Sanchez. "I don't have a job. I've applied for hundreds of jobs, but no one wants to hire until next year." Like everyone else at a press conference, Gabriel said that in the last eight months he has already spent about $17,000 to cover his basic needs and has run out. money.
“Yesterday I only ate a hamburger and today I haven't even had breakfast,” he added. “The government has helped me with food stamps, but I don't have a place to cook.” To bathe daily, a friend lets him use his bathroom, reported Gabriel, who also still hasn't recovered from the loss of his mother, Silvia Gonzalez,originally from Jerez, Zacatecas, who died in 2024 from liver cancer. Not Christmas spirit. The meeting in Altadena highlighted the serious crisis that the survivors of the catastrophe that claimed the lives of 19 people continue to face. Damon Blount, who lost his home that disappeared at the corner of Fair Oaks Avenue and Mendocino Street, recalled that the memorable moments he experienced recently were the renovations he had just completed and Christmas 2024, which he enjoyed with his wife Audrey, his four daughters, and his granddaughter. "We celebrated Christmas in our house. That was the last memory." “It was important before the fire, and it was wonderful,” Damon told La Opinion. "Everyone lives somewhere else, in other states. It's easy for us to get together, but now there's no way to do that." Damon, a professional truck driver who worked for a company called RNDC, recounted that he and all the other employees in California were laid off on September 2. “In a matter of six months, I lost my house and my truck, which was my second job,” he said. “Now, we have no plans for Christmas.” The couple is now living temporarily in an apartment in Duarte City. And despite their forced retirement and a 50% reduction in their income, the Blounts still need to cover monthly expenses. Their plans for the future have been cut short, and they are starting over without a clear direction. “We survived by the grace of God,” he says. “Some organizations have helped us with gift cards for gas and food, which is helping us get by a little.”
They are asking SCE for $200,000 per family
Joy Chen, leader of the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, stated that families cannot move forward with recovery if they don't know where they will sleep next month.
For the victims, the California Community Foundation has been one of the first to support the coalition of community groups demanding responses from Southern California Edison. They [the foundation] provide urgent housing assistance and try to avoid the risks that prolonged displacement poses to long-term recovery.
An LATimes investigation, titled, “It's practically a financial bailout,” It was reported that Edison has been allowed to pass on some of the cost of compensation to consumers through electricity rates, overriding the Wildfire Fund, while families are still feeling the immediate consequences. State law gives Edison control over what it pays survivors and ensures the company has the financial backing to do so without delay. “Nothing in that system prevents Edison from providing housing support now,” said Joy Chen, executive director of the Eaton Fire Survivors Network. In October, regulators approved a rate increase expected to generate nearly $1 billion a year for Edison, along with another $1 billion in retroactive payments. Such state decisions have resulted in higher profits for the company,while displaced survivors are left without housing funds. "We are not here in anger. We are here out of love for our community," said Joy Chen. “When a fire caused by a company destroys or contaminates homes, that company has a responsibility to keep families under a roof until they can return to their homes.”
SCE spokesperson Gabriela Ornelas announced that the company has made the first payment from its Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program, just 45 days after its launch.
“Community members directly impacted by the Eaton Fire are receiving compensation without delay to rebuild and recover,” she said in a statement.
A payment eight months after the fire for thousands of victims?
“SCE is committed to helping the Altadena community,” she responded. “Temporary housing assistance is available through our Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program.”
Ornelas noted that, to date, 1,551 claims have been filed, but the number of people The number of claimants and affected household members totals 3,293. Twenty-seven offers have been widespread and accepted. More payments will be made before the end of the year.
He added that the percentage of claims filed by plaintiffs' attorneys is 20%, and the three most common types of losses are: non-fire damage (43%), total loss (40%), and partial loss (5%).
However, I have avoided answering whether Southern California Edison would agree to study, negotiate, or accept the proposal from the Coalition for Urgent Housing Relief, which represents the thousands of victims.
All members of the Eaton Fire survivors' coalition agreed that their petition is clear: “Edison must provide up to $200,000 per affected household as emergency housing assistance, based on verified costs.”
“This support would serve as a temporary advance, allowing families to remain in a safe place while repair and rebuilding work is carried out,” they asserted.
“The assistance must be available to both renters and homeowners, cover current housing and relocation costs, and be provided without legal waivers. Edison may later seek reimbursement through the California Wildfire Fund.”
Similarly, they indicated that California taxpayers assumed the risk of the Edison-caused wildfires so that families would not be left homeless during the recovery process.
“Those affected whose homes were contaminated or destroyed by the Edison fire should not be forced to live on the streets while the company reaps enormous profits,” they stated. "Edison has the capacity, the authority, and the public support to act immediately. Every victim has the right to return to their home. But that right cannot be guaranteed without housing stability.""We are not here in anger. We are here out of love for our community," said Joy Chen. “When a fire caused by a company destroys or contaminates homes, that company has a responsibility to keep families under a roof until they can return to their homes.”
SCE spokesperson Gabriela Ornelas announced that the company has made the first payment from its Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program, just 45 days after its launch.
“Community members directly impacted by the Eaton Fire are receiving compensation without delay to rebuild and recover,” she said in a statement.
A payment eight months after the fire for thousands of victims?
“SCE is committed to helping the Altadena community,” she responded. “Temporary housing assistance is available through our Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program.”
Ornelas noted that, to date, 1,551 claims have been filed, but the number of people The number of claimants and affected household members totals 3,293. Twenty-seven offers have been widespread and accepted. More payments will be made before the end of the year.
He added that the percentage of claims filed by plaintiffs' attorneys is 20%, and the three most common types of losses are: non-fire damage (43%), total loss (40%), and partial loss (5%).
However, I have avoided answering whether Southern California Edison would agree to study, negotiate, or accept the proposal from the Coalition for Urgent Housing Relief, which represents the thousands of victims.
All members of the Eaton Fire survivors' coalition agreed that their petition is clear: “Edison must provide up to $200,000 per affected household as emergency housing assistance, based on verified costs.”
“This support would serve as a temporary advance, allowing families to remain in a safe place while repair and rebuilding work is carried out,” they asserted.
“The assistance must be available to both renters and homeowners, cover current housing and relocation costs, and be provided without legal waivers. Edison may later seek reimbursement through the California Wildfire Fund.”
Similarly, they indicated that California taxpayers assumed the risk of the Edison-caused wildfires so that families would not be left homeless during the recovery process.
“Those affected whose homes were contaminated or destroyed by the Edison fire should not be forced to live on the streets while the company reaps enormous profits,” they stated. "Edison has the capacity, the authority, and the public support to act immediately. Every victim has the right to return to their home. But that right cannot be guaranteed without housing stability.""We are not here in anger. We are here out of love for our community," said Joy Chen. “When a fire caused by a company destroys or contaminates homes, that company has a responsibility to keep families under a roof until they can return to their homes.”
SCE spokesperson Gabriela Ornelas announced that the company has made the first payment from its Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program, just 45 days after its launch.
“Community members directly impacted by the Eaton Fire are receiving compensation without delay to rebuild and recover,” she said in a statement.
A payment eight months after the fire for thousands of victims?
“SCE is committed to helping the Altadena community,” she responded. “Temporary housing assistance is available through our Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program.”
Ornelas noted that, to date, 1,551 claims have been filed, but the number of people The number of claimants and affected household members totals 3,293. Twenty-seven offers have been widespread and accepted. More payments will be made before the end of the year.
He added that the percentage of claims filed by plaintiffs' attorneys is 20%, and the three most common types of losses are: non-fire damage (43%), total loss (40%), and partial loss (5%).
However, I have avoided answering whether Southern California Edison would agree to study, negotiate, or accept the proposal from the Coalition for Urgent Housing Relief, which represents the thousands of victims.
All members of the Eaton Fire survivors' coalition agreed that their petition is clear: “Edison must provide up to $200,000 per affected household as emergency housing assistance, based on verified costs.”
“This support would serve as a temporary advance, allowing families to remain in a safe place while repair and rebuilding work is carried out,” they asserted.
“The assistance must be available to both renters and homeowners, cover current housing and relocation costs, and be provided without legal waivers. Edison may later seek reimbursement through the California Wildfire Fund.”
Similarly, they indicated that California taxpayers assumed the risk of the Edison-caused wildfires so that families would not be left homeless during the recovery process.
“Those affected whose homes were contaminated or destroyed by the Edison fire should not be forced to live on the streets while the company reaps enormous profits,” they stated. "Edison has the capacity, the authority, and the public support to act immediately. Every victim has the right to return to their home. But that right cannot be guaranteed without housing stability."” said Joy Chen. “When a fire caused by a company destroys or contaminates homes, that company has a responsibility to keep families under a roof until they can return to their homes.”
Ornelas noted that, to date, 1,551 claims have been filed, but the number of people The number of claimants and affected household members totals 3,293. Twenty-seven offers have been widespread and accepted. More payments will be made before the end of the year.
He added that the percentage of claims filed by plaintiffs' attorneys is 20%, and the three most common types of losses are: non-fire damage (43%), total loss (40%), and partial loss (5%).
However, I have avoided answering whether Southern California Edison would agree to study, negotiate, or accept the proposal from the Coalition for Urgent Housing Relief, which represents the thousands of victims.
All members of the Eaton Fire survivors' coalition agreed that their petition is clear: “Edison must provide up to $200,000 per affected household as emergency housing assistance, based on verified costs.”
“This support would serve as a temporary advance, allowing families to remain in a safe place while repair and rebuilding work is carried out,” they asserted.
“The assistance must be available to both renters and homeowners, cover current housing and relocation costs, and be provided without legal waivers. Edison may later seek reimbursement through the California Wildfire Fund.”
Similarly, they indicated that California taxpayers assumed the risk of the Edison-caused wildfires so that families would not be left homeless during the recovery process.
“Those affected whose homes were contaminated or destroyed by the Edison fire should not be forced to live on the streets while the company reaps enormous profits,” they stated. "Edison has the capacity, the authority, and the public support to act immediately. Every victim has the right to return to their home. But that right cannot be guaranteed without housing stability."” said Joy Chen. “When a fire caused by a company destroys or contaminates homes, that company has a responsibility to keep families under a roof until they can return to their homes.”
Ornelas noted that, to date, 1,551 claims have been filed, but the number of people The number of claimants and affected household members totals 3,293. Twenty-seven offers have been widespread and accepted. More payments will be made before the end of the year.
He added that the percentage of claims filed by plaintiffs' attorneys is 20%, and the three most common types of losses are: non-fire damage (43%), total loss (40%), and partial loss (5%).
However, I have avoided answering whether Southern California Edison would agree to study, negotiate, or accept the proposal from the Coalition for Urgent Housing Relief, which represents the thousands of victims.
All members of the Eaton Fire survivors' coalition agreed that their petition is clear: “Edison must provide up to $200,000 per affected household as emergency housing assistance, based on verified costs.”
“This support would serve as a temporary advance, allowing families to remain in a safe place while repair and rebuilding work is carried out,” they asserted.
“The assistance must be available to both renters and homeowners, cover current housing and relocation costs, and be provided without legal waivers. Edison may later seek reimbursement through the California Wildfire Fund.”
Similarly, they indicated that California taxpayers assumed the risk of the Edison-caused wildfires so that families would not be left homeless during the recovery process.
“Those affected whose homes were contaminated or destroyed by the Edison fire should not be forced to live on the streets while the company reaps enormous profits,” they stated. "Edison has the capacity, the authority, and the public support to act immediately. Every victim has the right to return to their home. But that right cannot be guaranteed without housing stability."that company has a responsibility to keep families under a roof until they can return to their homes. after the fire for thousands of victims?” the year.
He added that the percentage of claims filed by plaintiffs' attorneys is 20%, and the three most common types of losses are: non-fire damage (43%), total loss (40%), and partial losses (5%).
However, he avoided answering whether Southern California Edison would agree to study, negotiate, or accept the proposal from the Coalition for Urgent Housing Relief, which represents the thousands of victims.
All members of the Eaton Fire survivors' coalition agreed that their petition is clear: “Edison must provide up to $200,000 per affected household as emergency housing assistance, based on verified costs.”
“This support would serve as a temporary advance, allowing families to remain in a safe place while repair and rebuilding work is carried out,” they asserted.
“The assistance must be available to both renters and homeowners, cover current housing and relocation costs, and be provided without legal waivers. Edison may later seek reimbursement through the California Wildfire Fund. Every victim has the right to return to their home. But that right cannot be guaranteed without housing stability.”that company has a responsibility to keep families under a roof until they can return to their homes. after the fire for thousands of victims?” the year.
He added that the percentage of claims filed by plaintiffs' attorneys is 20%, and the three most common types of losses are: non-fire damage (43%), total loss (40%), and partial losses (5%).
However, he avoided answering whether Southern California Edison would agree to study, negotiate, or accept the proposal from the Coalition for Urgent Housing Relief, which represents the thousands of victims.
All members of the Eaton Fire survivors' coalition agreed that their petition is clear: “Edison must provide up to $200,000 per affected household as emergency housing assistance, based on verified costs.”
“This support would serve as a temporary advance, allowing families to remain in a safe place while repair and rebuilding work is carried out,” they asserted.
“The assistance must be available to both renters and homeowners, cover current housing and relocation costs, and be provided without legal waivers. Edison may later seek reimbursement through the California Wildfire Fund. Every victim has the right to return to their home. But that right cannot be guaranteed without housing stability.”just 45 days after its launch.
“Community members directly impacted by the Eaton Fire are receiving compensation without delay to rebuild and recover,” she said in a statement.
A payment eight months after the fire for thousands of victims?
“SCE is committed to helping the Altadena community,” she responded. “Temporary housing assistance is available through our Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program.”
Ornelas noted that, to date, 1,551 claims have been filed, but the number of people The number of claimants and affected household members totals 3,293. Twenty-seven offers have been widespread and accepted. More payments will be made before the end of the year.
He added that the percentage of claims filed by plaintiffs' attorneys is 20%, and the three most common types of losses are: non-fire damage (43%), total loss (40%), and partial loss (5%).
However, I have avoided answering whether Southern California Edison would agree to study, negotiate, or accept the proposal from the Coalition for Urgent Housing Relief, which represents the thousands of victims.
All members of the Eaton Fire survivors' coalition agreed that their petition is clear: “Edison must provide up to $200,000 per affected household as emergency housing assistance, based on verified costs.”
“This support would serve as a temporary advance, allowing families to remain in a safe place while repair and rebuilding work is carried out,” they asserted.
“The assistance must be available to both renters and homeowners, cover current housing and relocation costs, and be provided without legal waivers. Edison may later seek reimbursement through the California Wildfire Fund.”
Similarly, they indicated that California taxpayers assumed the risk of the Edison-caused wildfires so that families would not be left homeless during the recovery process.
“Those affected whose homes were contaminated or destroyed by the Edison fire should not be forced to live on the streets while the company reaps enormous profits,” they stated. "Edison has the capacity, the authority, and the public support to act immediately. Every victim has the right to return to their home. But that right cannot be guaranteed without housing stability."just 45 days after its launch.
“Community members directly impacted by the Eaton Fire are receiving compensation without delay to rebuild and recover,” she said in a statement.
A payment eight months after the fire for thousands of victims?
“SCE is committed to helping the Altadena community,” she responded. “Temporary housing assistance is available through our Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program.”
Ornelas noted that, to date, 1,551 claims have been filed, but the number of people The number of claimants and affected household members totals 3,293. Twenty-seven offers have been widespread and accepted. More payments will be made before the end of the year.
He added that the percentage of claims filed by plaintiffs' attorneys is 20%, and the three most common types of losses are: non-fire damage (43%), total loss (40%), and partial loss (5%).
However, I have avoided answering whether Southern California Edison would agree to study, negotiate, or accept the proposal from the Coalition for Urgent Housing Relief, which represents the thousands of victims.
All members of the Eaton Fire survivors' coalition agreed that their petition is clear: “Edison must provide up to $200,000 per affected household as emergency housing assistance, based on verified costs.”
“This support would serve as a temporary advance, allowing families to remain in a safe place while repair and rebuilding work is carried out,” they asserted.
“The assistance must be available to both renters and homeowners, cover current housing and relocation costs, and be provided without legal waivers. Edison may later seek reimbursement through the California Wildfire Fund.”
Similarly, they indicated that California taxpayers assumed the risk of the Edison-caused wildfires so that families would not be left homeless during the recovery process.
“Those affected whose homes were contaminated or destroyed by the Edison fire should not be forced to live on the streets while the company reaps enormous profits,” they stated. "Edison has the capacity, the authority, and the public support to act immediately. Every victim has the right to return to their home. But that right cannot be guaranteed without housing stability."but the number of people The number of claimants and affected household members totals 3,293. Twenty-seven offers have been widespread and accepted. More payments will be made before the end of the year.
He added that the percentage of claims filed by plaintiffs' attorneys is 20%, and the three most common types of losses are: non-fire damage (43%), total loss (40%), and partial loss (5%).
However, I have avoided answering whether Southern California Edison would agree to study, negotiate, or accept the proposal from the Coalition for Urgent Housing Relief, which represents the thousands of victims.
All members of the Eaton Fire survivors' coalition agreed that their petition is clear: “Edison must provide up to $200,000 per affected household as emergency housing assistance, based on verified costs.”
“This support would serve as a temporary advance, allowing families to remain in a safe place while repair and rebuilding work is carried out,” they asserted.
“The assistance must be available to both renters and homeowners, cover current housing and relocation costs, and be provided without legal waivers. Edison may later seek reimbursement through the California Wildfire Fund.”
Similarly, they indicated that California taxpayers assumed the risk of the Edison-caused wildfires so that families would not be left homeless during the recovery process.
“Those affected whose homes were contaminated or destroyed by the Edison fire should not be forced to live on the streets while the company reaps enormous profits,” they stated. "Edison has the capacity, the authority, and the public support to act immediately. Every victim has the right to return to their home. But that right cannot be guaranteed without housing stability."but the number of people The number of claimants and affected household members totals 3,293. Twenty-seven offers have been widespread and accepted. More payments will be made before the end of the year.
He added that the percentage of claims filed by plaintiffs' attorneys is 20%, and the three most common types of losses are: non-fire damage (43%), total loss (40%), and partial loss (5%).
However, I have avoided answering whether Southern California Edison would agree to study, negotiate, or accept the proposal from the Coalition for Urgent Housing Relief, which represents the thousands of victims.
All members of the Eaton Fire survivors' coalition agreed that their petition is clear: “Edison must provide up to $200,000 per affected household as emergency housing assistance, based on verified costs.”
“This support would serve as a temporary advance, allowing families to remain in a safe place while repair and rebuilding work is carried out,” they asserted.
“The assistance must be available to both renters and homeowners, cover current housing and relocation costs, and be provided without legal waivers. Edison may later seek reimbursement through the California Wildfire Fund.”
Similarly, they indicated that California taxpayers assumed the risk of the Edison-caused wildfires so that families would not be left homeless during the recovery process.
“Those affected whose homes were contaminated or destroyed by the Edison fire should not be forced to live on the streets while the company reaps enormous profits,” they stated. "Edison has the capacity, the authority, and the public support to act immediately. Every victim has the right to return to their home. But that right cannot be guaranteed without housing stability."
“The assistance must be available to both renters and homeowners, cover current housing and relocation costs, and be provided without legal waivers. Edison may later seek reimbursement through the California Wildfire Fund.”
Similarly, they indicated that California taxpayers assumed the risk of the Edison-caused wildfires so that families would not be left homeless during the recovery process.
“Those affected whose homes were contaminated or destroyed by the Edison fire should not be forced to live on the streets while the company reaps enormous profits,” they stated. "Edison has the capacity, the authority, and the public support to act immediately. Every victim has the right to return to their home. But that right cannot be guaranteed without housing stability."
“The assistance must be available to both renters and homeowners, cover current housing and relocation costs, and be provided without legal waivers. Edison may later seek reimbursement through the California Wildfire Fund.”
Similarly, they indicated that California taxpayers assumed the risk of the Edison-caused wildfires so that families would not be left homeless during the recovery process.
“Those affected whose homes were contaminated or destroyed by the Edison fire should not be forced to live on the streets while the company reaps enormous profits,” they stated. "Edison has the capacity, the authority, and the public support to act immediately. Every victim has the right to return to their home. But that right cannot be guaranteed without housing stability."