UPDATE: Survivors of the Eaton Fire are urgently calling for immediate financial relief as housing coverage is set to expire for many families. On October 29, 2025, leaders from the Eaton Fire Survivors Network presented a compelling case to the California Catastrophe Response Council, demanding that Southern California Edison‘s parent company, Edison International, allocate $2.4 billion from the state’s wildfire fund to provide crucial housing assistance.
Survivors warn that without swift action, they risk falling into homelessness as temporary housing support dwindles. “We’re not asking for a handout, we’re asking for Edison to use its existing credit lines to front up to $200,000 per household in urgent housing relief now and be reimbursed later,” stated Joy Chen, executive director of the survivors network. “It’s a simple cash flow solution that would stabilize thousands of families and jumpstart recovery.”
The call for immediate support follows the launch of Edison’s Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program on the same day, which aims to compensate fire-impacted residents but leaves many without sufficient housing assistance. Advocates argue that the proposed compensation will not arrive in time to prevent further crises, with approximately 12,000 households affected by the fire, including 6,000 with total losses.
While Edison officials acknowledge the survivors’ request, they emphasize their focus on the compensation plan. “We understand that request, but we are focusing our efforts on the current compensation plan,” said Scott Johnson, a spokesperson for Southern California Edison. The utility is processing claims and could issue compensation within 90 days via a “Fast Pay” option, but survivors must first waive their legal rights.
Critics highlight that this requirement may force families to sacrifice their right to litigate for a quicker solution. “People who don’t know where they’ll sleep next week cannot make fair or informed decisions about waiving their lifelong rights,” Chen added. Legal experts have criticized the compensation plan, arguing it undervalues the long-term trauma endured by survivors, especially children, who receive less compensation than adults.
The urgency of the situation is palpable, as nearly 80% of Eaton fire survivors remain displaced, running out of resources to secure housing. During a press conference at the California Department of Food and Agriculture in Sacramento, survivors expressed their fears as the reality of prolonged recovery sets in.
Senator Sasha Renéé Pérez of Pasadena has joined the survivors’ appeal, emphasizing the necessity for immediate action from Edison. In a letter addressed to Edison International CEO Pedro J. Pizarro, Pérez urged the company to ensure that fire victims receive the support they need to stabilize their lives.
As the situation evolves, the next steps include continued advocacy for increased financial support from Edison, alongside discussions about the adequacy of the compensation plan. Survivors and advocates are determined to ensure that their voices are heard and that the utility takes responsibility for the impact of the fire.
The Eaton Fire Survivors Network is expected to mobilize further efforts in the coming days to maintain pressure on Edison and state officials for the necessary relief. As families face a growing financial and emotional crisis, the fight for fair treatment and adequate support is more crucial than ever.
