Help My Parents Rebuild After the Altadena Fires

Hi, we are Christa & Christan. The recent Eaton Fire in Altadena has deeply affected our parents, Benjie & Golden Swenson. While they were fortunate not to lose their house, the smoke damage is significant. Their home is only one of the few that remain in the wasteland of what once was a vibrant community. Smoke, ash, char, and toxins have made their home unsafe, and, so far, their insurer is being difficult and has offered no support for the extensive work needed to ensure their health & safety because it’s not a “total loss”. Hiring an industrial hygienist to test their home for dangerous carcinogens like heavy metals, dioxin, arsenic, asbestos, formaldehyde, cyanide, etc. - a critical & expensive step in making it safe again - is something the insurance company refuses to reimburse for, and this process needs to happen twice. Despite these immense challenges, my parents feel fortunate compared to others, who have lost everything. Regardless, they need help to make their home livable, which will likely take upwards of a year. Any contribution you can make will go directly toward supporting their disaster needs.

Our parents are strong, resilient and hesitant to ask for help - but as their daughters - we want to do everything we can to lighten their load. Thank you for supporting them as they navigate this incredibly difficult time. Your kindness means the world to us.