Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
New support group helps survivors process the devastation of Eaton and Palisades Fires
Altadena residents pour water onto neighbors' property.
(
Brian Feinzimer
/
LAist
)
What to know
It’s been more than six months since the devastating fires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades.
As thousands of people work to rebuild, a new support group is available to help process the grief that will linger long after the reconstruction begins.
Allison Williams is still evacuated from her home in Altadena. Her main house is standing but other parts of her property burned.
Listen
0:31
A new support group for survivors processing the devastation of Eaton and Palisades Fires
Now she’s stepping in to facilitate monthly support groups through the National Alliance on Mental Illness San Gabriel Valley.
(
Courtesy NAMI San Gabriel Valley
)
Williams said attendees can expect to get help dealing with trauma and “engage in conversations with people who get them, who can understand because they’ve been through it themselves.”
Sponsored message
“A lot of people feel alone ... And just to talk with other people who are impacted is comforting,” Williams said.
The first meeting was attended by 16 people on Zoom. Williams said the plan is to continue the group for at least a year.
-
The orders will go into effect 11 a.m. Tuesday. -
The big cat was captured within 200 meters of the animal crossing — a project expected to be complete in 2026. -
Government sources say that for the last six weeks, they’ve been ordered not to release undocumented children in federal custody to their parents and relatives.
She said many survivors feel isolated in the day-to-day, especially as they settle into communities that are getting back to normal life even as Altadena and Pacific Palisades remain decimated.
“It’s still real and it’s still raw. And it was very emotional. People want to tell their stories ... But there’s a lot of feeling of loss, of grief. Of uncertainty. A lot of people still aren’t back in their homes,” Williams said.
At the support group, attendees are given time to share their personal story with the help of facilitators. A trained mental health professional will also be available to connect survivors with ongoing care, especially if they or a family member feel like they’re in crisis. The group is expected to continue for at least a year.
How to participate
The support group will be held on Zoom every third Tuesday of the month from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Sponsored message
More information is available on NAMI San Gabriel Valley’s website.
And here are some more mental health resources for fire survivors.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
