Eaton Fire Survivors Demand $2.4 Billion Housing Relief NOW

UPDATE: Eaton fire survivors are urgently calling for more than $2.4 billion in immediate housing assistance as they face a looming crisis with coverage set to expire. Leaders from the Eaton Fire Survivors Network addressed the California Catastrophe Response Council on October 29, 2025, emphasizing the dire need for swift action.

Survivors, part of a grassroots coalition of 8,500 victims, are demanding that Southern California Edison’s parent company, Edison International, utilize its existing credit lines to provide $200,000 per household for urgent housing relief. “We’re not asking for a handout, we’re asking for Edison to front the money now and be reimbursed later,” stated Joy Chen, executive director of the network.

The call for immediate relief comes just one day after Edison launched its Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program, which survivors argue falls short of covering essential housing costs and will not avert potential homelessness. Chen revealed that approximately 12,000 households were impacted by the Eaton fire, with 6,000 experiencing total loss.

As many survivors approach the expiration of their temporary housing coverage this winter, anxiety is mounting. “People who don’t know where they’ll sleep next week cannot make fair decisions about waiving their lifelong rights,” Chen added, highlighting the critical nature of their plight.

Edison officials, while acknowledging the housing relief request, have stated they are prioritizing their compensation plan. Scott Johnson, spokesperson for Edison, confirmed that survivors can report housing costs incurred post-fire, potentially receiving compensation within 90 days through the “Fast Pay” option. However, this plan requires survivors to sign legal liability releases, a point of contention for many.

Critics, including attorneys representing fire victims, argue that the new compensation plan does not adequately address the long-term needs of survivors, particularly in light of toxic contamination and the disparity in compensation for children versus adults.

The urgency of the situation was further emphasized at a meeting in Sacramento, where survivors shared testimonies of their ongoing struggles. Senator Sasha Renée Pérez joined the call for immediate housing relief, criticizing Edison for tying assistance to the signing of legal documents. In a letter to Edison International CEO Pedro J. Pizarro, Pérez stressed the necessity for the utility to act swiftly to prevent mass displacement.

Chen and other advocates argue that the kind of pre-settlement relief requested has been provided in the past by other utilities, even during bankruptcy. “Edison is solvent and profitable,” Chen remarked, urging the utility to take responsibility for the recovery efforts.

Survivors are facing a deepening emotional and financial crisis as they navigate their recovery journey almost 10 months after the devastating fire. With many experiencing overwhelming uncertainty, the call for immediate action is more pressing than ever.

As this situation develops, the Eaton Fire Survivors Network continues to advocate for fair compensation, emphasizing that survivors deserve comprehensive support without sacrificing their rights. The fight for justice and housing relief remains a top priority as families face a precarious winter ahead.