Supervisor Barger and partners break ground at the future site of The Center for Community in Altadena (Photo – Brian Feinzimer/LA County)
On Saturday, January 10, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger joined a host of community leaders and organizations to celebrate the groundbreaking of The Center for Community, a new 1,600-square-foot recovery hub designed to support survivors of the devastating Eaton Fire in Altadena.
By News Desk
Located on County-owned land at 2231 Lincoln Avenue and designed by renowned architect Shigeru Ban, the Center will provide vital services including mental health support, educational workshops, and community programming for those still recovering from the fire’s destruction. The facility will serve as a long-term case management service hub for families, with a focus on resilience and rebuilding efforts as the community works to regain stability.
“I am proud to support this important project,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “The establishment of a long-term case management service hub for Eaton Fire survivors marks a critical next step in Altadena’s recovery. This center will be especially important for West Altadena, providing a dedicated space on County-owned land for healing, resilience, and connection. Together, we are laying the foundation for a stronger community.”
The groundbreaking ceremony comes one year after the Eaton Fire, a catastrophic blaze that displaced many residents and caused significant damage to the area. The event commemorated the year of recovery efforts and marked a new chapter in the long-term rebuilding of Altadena.
“This past year has been defined by the toughness of Los Angeles County, but also by the reality that recovery does not end when the immediate crisis passes,” said Ann Lee, Co-Founder and CEO of CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort). “The Center for Community represents the next phase of recovery: a permanent, people-centered space where individuals can access support, rebuild stability, and reconnect. With the vast majority of homeowners still displaced, our commitment must deepen.”
The groundbreaking ceremony featured remarks from key partners, including Les Ybarra, President of Anthem Blue Cross Medi-Cal Health Plan; Representative Judy Chu; Supervisor Barger; and Emilio Salas, Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA).
During the immediate aftermath of the fire, CORE was instrumental in providing emergency relief to affected families. They distributed essential supplies such as hygiene kits, N95 masks, and power banks, while also setting up a child-friendly space at evacuation shelters. CORE also provided ongoing support through its Disaster Case Management program, helping survivors navigate FEMA claims, insurance, and rebuilding efforts.
The Center for Community adds to CORE’s growing network of recovery resources in Altadena. In October, CORE opened “The Hub,” a local resource center that offers case management, referrals, and other recovery services. This center helps residents with navigating insurance, financing, and housing challenges while also connecting them to legal and health resources.
As of now, CORE has provided more than $3 million in cash assistance to Eaton Fire survivors and continues to support ongoing recovery efforts, including debris cleanup and housing navigation. With about 90% of homeowners still displaced, CORE’s work remains crucial to the community’s long-term recovery.
“Anthem has been a key partner in the recovery process, contributing over $1 million to support the rebuilding of impacted communities,” said Les Ybarra, President of the Anthem Blue Cross Medi-Cal Health Plan. “Housing stability, financial security, and community connection are critical components of health and wellbeing, and the Center for Community is a vital step in ensuring those pillars are reinforced as Altadena continues to rebuild.”
Representative Judy Chu also expressed deep gratitude for the partnership that has driven recovery efforts. “I am deeply grateful to CORE for their extraordinary support in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire. CORE’s work has saved lives, and I am so grateful to have them as a partner in our recovery efforts,” she said.
The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA), which has been involved in the Altadena community for decades, is also a major partner in the recovery process. “LACDA has been part of the West Altadena community since 1982,” said Emilio Salas, Executive Director of LACDA. “We are excited to mobilize services on this County-owned property and continue to be part of building better lives and better neighborhoods in Altadena.”
Supervisor Barger and Altadena Town Council Chair, Nic Arnzen (Photo – Brian Feinzimer/LA County)
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