Meet Glen: A Story of Resilience and Optimism

CORE is supporting a shelter for evacuees from the LA fires, where people like Glen have sought services, resources, and a place to sleep.

Glen, an Eaton fire survivor, photographed outside the Pasadena Convention Center shelter.

When the Eaton Fire swept through Altadena, Glen and his wife of 40 years lost their home and everything they owned. They’re both retirees – Glen was a school bus and truck driver and his wife a retired postal worker. In a cruel twist of timing, they were dropped by their homeowner’s insurance company last month. They took refuge at the Pasadena Convention Center shelter to figure out what to do next, which is where they connected with the CORE team. Given everything he’s been through, Glen is surprisingly positive and grateful as he navigates this heartbreaking disaster.

“My home might be gone but at the shelter, CORE has brought such a sense of joy and hope. They went above and beyond and were just so kind. At 65 years old, I’m not an emotional man but thinking about their support brings tears to my eyes.”

Glen shared that he has applied for FEMA support and hopes to rebuild his home. “Altadena is special. When you’re home, you feel like you’re really home. It’s a tight-knit community, a very special place.”

CORE is continuing to provide support services at the Pasadena shelter, helping people complete FEMA applications and connecting them with other local support services. Glen was able to get critical supplies and a list of resources from CORE staff who he says have checked in on him daily while he’s at the shelter.

“I love seeing CORE here every day. They’ve been here from the start, and it helps me feel a bit more normal, seeing them every day,” he said. “They actually remember my name and give me big smiles every time I come by. Sunny and Daniel especially are just amazing people.”

Sunny, CORE’s Emergency Program Manager, shared that Glen’s warmth and humor has been uplifting. Glen doesn’t miss a chance to chat with CORE staff, whether it’s greeting them in the morning or sharing his two cents about cooking dinner for his wife.

Sunny has deployed to many emergencies with CORE and is often among the first team members to meet with impacted community members. With every response, she hopes to provide a sense of community and normalcy for people affected by disaster, whether it’s greeting them by name, advocating for them, or connecting them to resources that address their evolving needs.

CORE is based in Los Angeles, and it is an honor to help people like Glen and his wife as they navigate this heartbreaking disaster. In addition to the Pasadena shelter, our team is also working out of the Disaster Recovery Centers in Pasadena and Westwood. These centers are open to the public daily from 9 AM to 8 PM.

We will continue to help local families long after the flames are extinguished, providing cash assistance, disaster cash management, and rebuilding support in the years to come.