Beacon Housing, in collaboration with Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) and YMCA of the Foothills, announced a new initiative to provide stable, affordable homes for low-income survivors of the Eaton Fire. Through a construction grant from PCF, Beacon Housing will add three new accessory dwelling units (ADUs) at its Garfield Agape Court property in Northwest Pasadena. During initial leasing, these units will be prioritized for low-income households displaced by the Eaton Fire.

Upon completion, the ADUs will be offered at significantly below market rents. A two-year rental assistance grant from YMCA of the Foothills will further reduce out-of-pocket housing costs for eligible tenants, creating a bridge to long-term stability.

“PCF is proud to support this effort to expand access to affordable housing following the devastation of the Eaton Fire,” said Jeannine Bogaard, PCF’s vice president of Community Impact. “Even before the fire, affordable housing was scarce. This project meets urgent needs now and adds permanently affordable homes that will benefit our community for years to come.”

This collaboration pairs new supply with sustained affordability, recognizing survivors need both a home now and time to rebuild their lives. 

“We’re grateful to partner on a concrete, community-based solution that supports families beyond move-in,” said Vince Iuculano, CEO of YMCA of the Foothills. “Housing is foundational to recovery and well-being. We also extend deep gratitude to the LA Dodgers Foundation and Max and Kellie Muncy for the generosity that helps make this relief possible.”

Many survivors are facing ongoing housing insecurity with local rents out of reach; some were renting from relatives or were long-term tenants paying well below market before the fire. A recent survey from the Eaton Fire Collaborative’s Housing Committee found that 55% of homeowners and 78% of renters cannot afford the area’s average one-bedroom asking rent of $2,350; 40% of renters paid under $1,500 before the fire. 

“The Eaton Fire laid bare a simple truth: we need more affordable homes and real pathways to access them,” said Palin Ngaotheppitak, executive director of Beacon Housing. “Through this partnership with PCF and the Y, we’re delivering both – new units now and rent support that helps survivors regain stability over the next two years.”

Construction is slated to begin in October 2025 with anticipated completion before year-end. 

Interested households can submit a waitlist application through Beacon Housing’s website at beaconhousing.org/enquiry-form/.