Dear Pride Center Community,

As we returned to campus on January 6th for Winter session, we had no idea what would take place just days after in our community. Our hearts go out to all our campus community impacted by the wildfires.

As we make our return to campus and see the support and clean-up efforts for our students, staff, and faculty, I cannot stop thinking about the concept of Mutual Aid and what it means during a time of crisis in our community. “Mutual Aid is collective coordination to meet each other’s needs,” writes Dean Spade in their book Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the next), it mainly speaks about how the community is the movement when a crisis arises, that together we will find bold and innovative ways to share resources and support vulnerable members in our communities. Mutual Aid isn’t charity: it's a form or organizing where people get to create a new system of care and generosity so we can survive. This response is transformative. This response is what community is about.

The Pride Center is open, stop on by if you need a place to chill.

Ana Bernal (they/them)

LGBTQIA2-S+ Student Success Specialist

Pride Center Coordinator

PCC Fire Updates & Support

Please check your PCC email regularly for updates. To stay informed with timely updates and emergency notifications, sign up for PCC Emergency Alerts to receive texts. 

For the latest updates on PCC’s operations, college announcements, community resources, and more, visit this webpage. Information is current and will be updated regularly.

Recovery Support

If you are a PCC student, faculty, or staff member affected by the fires, please complete the PCC Fire Recovery Needs Assessment Form so we can better assist you. PCC staff have been reaching out via phone and email to impacted college community members so the college can work to provide tailored support to meet your needs. 

Water and Masks

Water bottles and masks have been distributed to academic offices across our campuses, and additional water and masks are available in the G Building for administrative offices. While our campuses are outside the unsafe water zones identified by the City of Pasadena, these resources are available to anyone who needs them.

Technology

PCC Students who need assistance can visit the Shatford Library for support.

Free Meals

Free meals will be provided in the Piazza (CC Building) for PCC students, faculty, and staff from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. World Central Kitchen will also offer meals for those impacted by the fires, including the public, Monday through Wednesday from 3 to 8 p.m. in Lot 3.

Financial Aid and Support 

If you have been affected by the recent wildfires, there are several financial aid resources available to help manage expenses and continue your education:

• PCC’s Financial Aid Offices: Contact the financial aid office for information on emergency grants, loans, or other financial support. 
• California Fire Foundation's Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) Program: Provides $250 gift cards to eligible fire and natural disaster survivors for necessities like clothing. Distributed on-scene by participating fire departments. Learn More.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance: Provides grants and loans for recovery after a disaster declaration, including housing repair or rental assistance. Learn More.
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA): Offers financial support for individuals whose employment has been interrupted due to wildfires. Contact the California Employment Development Department (EDD) for details.
• 211 LA County: Dial 211 or visit 211.org to access financial aid referrals and other assistance.
• Disaster Relief Scholarship Application: This application is designed to assist community college students impacted by the 2025 fires in Southern California. Application here.

Mental Health Support

Students who need mental health support can reach out to the office of Mental Health and Wellness Services or can access after-hours assistance by calling

626-585-7273 and pressing 9. 

PCC is also hosting community support spaces in Cap & Gown, CC Room 129, on Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for anyone seeking comfort and connection.

Additional Mental Health resources:

• Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741 for 24/7 confidential support.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988 for immediate assistance.

Mutual Aid Resources

Here is a list of resources compiled by MutualAidLA to support those affected by wildfires in the LA area. Stay updated here.

Temporary Housing Assistance

Explore temporary housing options available during emergencies:

• 211: Dial 211 or visit 211.org for local information about shelters, housing assistance, and other essential services.
• Airbnb: During emergencies, Airbnb activates its Open Homes Program, providing free or discounted stays to evacuees and relief workers. Learn more.

Emergency Services Contacts

Keep these critical phone numbers available for immediate assistance during emergencies:

• City Service Center: 626-744-7311
• Emergency Services: 911
• Police (NON-Emergency): 626-744-4242
• Fire (NON-Emergency): 626-744-4655
• Water Emergencies: 626-744-4138
• Power Emergencies: 626-744-4673