Faith in the Fire: How Altadena’s Churches Are Leading Recovery Efforts Amid Devastation

James Luckey, Jr., Publisher/Editor

Los Angeles News Observer

ALTADENA, CA – As flames ravaged homes, businesses, and places of worship in Altadena, a resilient spirit emerged from the ashes. The local faith community, long the backbone of the area, has stepped up to lead the recovery efforts, providing aid, solace, and hope to the residents who lost everything.

On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, a coalition of elected officials, faith leaders, and business executives will gather at Charles White Park in Altadena for a press conference to reaffirm their commitment to rebuilding the community. Among those present will be Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congresswoman Judy Chu, an office Rep for State Senator Laura Richardson, Compton Mayor Emma Sharif, and Inglewood City Councilwoman Gloria Gray.

Perhaps most notably, Ed Lewis, a retired businessman and founder of Essence Magazine, has pledged $100,000 in personal donations to assist clergy members who lost their homes and churches in the devastating wildfires.

“This isn’t just about rebuilding structures,” Lewis said. “This is about restoring the faith and leadership that this community depends on in times of crisis.”

Since the wildfires began, faith leaders have been at the center of relief efforts. Pastor Jean Burch, Chair of the Clergy Community Coalition (CCC), alongside Executive Director Pastor Mayra Macedo-Nolan, has been working around the clock to coordinate aid.

“The local church has always been the heart of this community,” said Burch. “In times of crisis, we don’t run from the fire—we run toward those in need.”

And the need has been overwhelming. At least a dozen churches burned, and multiple pastors lost their homes. CCC, which works with over 100 faith communities in the greater Pasadena area, is leading efforts to restore what was lost.

Pastor Carlos, who leads Harvest Rock Church, shared his harrowing experience of escaping the fire with his granddaughter.

“As we tried to turn back, flames were everywhere,” he recalled. “But then, I saw a 92-year-old woman with a cane, struggling to escape. God put us in that moment for a reason. We carried her to safety. That’s what we do—we look out for each other.”

For some pastors, this disaster represents a loss that goes beyond brick and mortar. Pastor Kenna Ru of Hillside Tabernacle spoke with deep emotion about how the fire wiped out generations of faith leadership.

“I’m a third-generation pastor. My mother and father-in-law pastored this church before me, and their parents founded it,” Ru said. “We didn’t just lose a building—we lost our history, our legacy.”

The fire also destroyed a reentry program facility dedicated to helping formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society. “That was where we gave people second chances,” Ru said. “Now, it’s gone.”

Adding to the devastation, many affected homeowners and churches now face another crisis: predatory investors looking to buy up their land.

“We had subprime mortgages, and now we have subprime insurance,” Ru explained. “These speculators are circling, trying to take advantage of people’s desperation.”

At the press conference, Congresswoman Maxine Waters vowed to fight against these unethical land grabs. Governor Gavin Newsom has already issued an executive order making it illegal to sell property for significantly less than its pre-fire value, preventing exploitative buyers from taking advantage of displaced residents.

Congresswoman Maxine Waters introducing Co-Founder of Essence Magazine Ed Lewis ro present his donation of $100,000 to the Pastors and members of the Altadena community. (OGNSC Photo)

“Altadena is not for sale,” Pastor Anthony McFarland declared. “We’re not here to sell—we’re here to rebuild.”

Support for Altadena’s recovery has come from far beyond city limits. Faith leaders from Compton, Inglewood, and South Central Los Angeles have pledged aid, sending supplies, financial donations, and volunteer workers to help.

“There is an incredible outpouring of love,” said Compton Mayor Emma Sharif, who has been working closely with local churches. “People keep asking, ‘What can I do?’ And my answer is simple: keep showing up.”

Even secular organizations and businesses have joined the effort. Contractors, legal advisors, and mental health professionals are offering services to those in need.

“Disaster doesn’t discriminate,” said Los Angeles Urban League representative Ron Carter, who himself is an Altadena resident. “We need to come together as one to ensure every displaced family has the resources they need to rebuild.”

One of the most devastating losses in the fire was Pasadena Rosebud Academy, a charter school serving over 100 students, predominantly from Black and Brown families.

“These children have nowhere to go,” said community advocate Robin Turner. “We’re temporarily hosting them at a church and busing them to LA, but we need a permanent solution.”

Education and faith go hand-in-hand in this community, which is why rebuilding both the churches and schools is a top priority.

“Churches and schools are the backbone of our society,” said Jean Fisher, who is spearheading efforts to help relocate the displaced students. “If we stand together, we will rise together.”

As recovery efforts continue, local leaders are urging residents to stay informed, support legal clinics, and report any suspicious land deals to prevent predatory purchases.

“We have to protect our seniors, our elders—the people who built this community,” said Pastor Ru. “This isn’t just about homes. It’s about our future.”

With unwavering faith and the support of the broader community, Altadena’s clergy and residents are determined to rebuild stronger than ever.