Wisdom Quarterly: American Buddhist Journal: Altadena's 'Collaboratory' grand opening

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Altadena's 'Collaboratory' grand opening

WHAT HAPPENED?

The opening of the Eaton Fire Collab was a great success. The parking lot was overflowing, and the 36,000 square foot space was packed shoulder to shoulder with tours, a party, and lots of tabling by non-profit organizations. In the future Free Store (for those who apply in advance) sits the mural shown above, which is about 25 feet long. There was a party going in the central meeting area, along with free snacks. When in full swing, this will be the largest fire recovery hub in California. There is an entire section dedicated to mental health, relaxation, and recovery. It includes art therapy, peer-to-peer counseling, and other psychological resources.

Grand opening

Impact artist Ekaterina Sky mural

The EFC Collaboratory is having a grand opening on Tuesday, Oct. 7th, at 540 W. Woodbury Ave. in Altadena (near the intersection of Lincoln and Woodbury). This massive 36,000 square foot compound is the home to many non-profits and an art collective. Our collaboration mural with impact artist Ekaterina Sky is now housed here and visible in the west-facing lounge near the rolling doors. The vision for the remainder of the space will be explained on the day to visitors and guests.

Eaton Fire Collaboratory Grand Opening
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 pm
540 W. Woodbury Ave, Altadena, California

Grand opening of EFC Collaboratory, Altadena

In January 2025, California faced one of the most devastating wildfire seasons in history. Thousands of families were displaced, homes were lost, and entire communities were left reeling in the aftermath.

For the past nine months, the StrongHome Network has been on the ground, serving, supporting, and walking alongside families impacted by these fires. Through collaboration with hundreds of dedicated organizations, SHN has worked tirelessly to help survivors rebuild their lives, restore hope, and begin again.

Now, SHN is thrilled to announce the Grand Opening of the Eaton Fire Collaboratory—a new shared space where over 40 organizations are coming together under one roof to continue this vital work.

The Collaboratory is a place of restoration, partnership, and community. Here, fire-affected families can access a wide range of resources including:

Essential needs and personal recovery support
Home rebuilding and construction guidance
Family and marriage strengthening programs
Mental health and wellness services
Business and financial recovery resources.

Following the grand opening, the Eaton Fire Collaboratory will remain open weekly during regular business hours to serve anyone in need of these resources.

Whether one seeks personal support, rebuilding assistance, or community connection, this will be a welcoming space for ongoing recovery and growth. If anyone was impacted by the fires or are passionate about supporting community recovery, all are invited to join SHN for this special event.

Come meet the partners, explore the space, connect with local leaders, and discover how we can all move forward—stronger together.

This event is FREE and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided. stronghomenetwork.com/efc-collaboratory-october-7th

Volunteer: Sunday, Oct. 5th

Volunteer and get involved.

WHAT HAPPENED? Amigosdelosrios.org -- which is saving the remaining trees in Altadena after the Eaton Fire took more than half of them -- cleaned up the green space around the center in preparation for the open house on Tuesday, Oct. 7th.

California Climate Action Corps
LA Works