Navigating Collective Grief from the Palisades and Eaton Fires

In some ways, the fires that ravaged Eaton and Palisades back in January feel far away, but in others, they still feel extremely near and recent. The firestorms took 31 lives in Los Angeles County and destroyed thousands of homes. The ripple effects of those losses are still impacting our communities.

In the wake of the fires, In the Arms of Grace Hospice organized a Community Support Group to provide emotional and psychosocial support for residents. We realized from eyewitness accounts that we were all experiencing collective trauma, loss, and grief. This series, led by clinical psychologist Dr. Ani Karayan, PhD and a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals from IAGH, worked to bring attendees solace and healing through a supportive communal experience. Representatives from the American Red Cross, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Small Business Administration worked with us to keep community members up to date on resources for recovery and cleanup efforts.

Though hospice services are typically associated with death and the elderly, our broader mission is to foster compassion, empathy, and respect for the entire person – not only in a medical context, but for emotional and existential needs. By providing accessible support in collaboration with local organizations, we hoped to strengthen our bonds and empower residents to lean on one another through the tragedy. This is hospice working at its best: as a stabilizing element that makes dignity, support, and resilience more possible.

We’re grateful to Dr. Karayan and the St. Gregory Armenian Church of Pasadena for hosting the sessions. On February 18, 2025, the Support Group was honored by the attendance of the Primate of the Western Diocese, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, and United States Representative Judy Chu from California’s 28th Congressional District, who represents the neighborhoods affected by the Eaton Fires. Representative Chu’s presence truly demonstrated solidarity with our grieving community and acknowledged the significant work our Support Group is doing to help residents find peace and closure.

“So many people ran out of their houses with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Then they returned to find every memory they had burned to the ground,” Representative Chu told the weekly support group. “That’s why I am so glad [In the Arms of Grace] is here as a support network to those who are suffering, and I hope that all of us together can provide that emotional support to one another.”