Hello,

My name is Catherine and I live with my boyfriend and my sweet cat Mochi. I live in small old apartments, 1556 East Washington blvd, in Pasadena, CA, bordering Altadina. Im raising a small amount of funds to help cover expenses and damages that we have endured from the Eaton fires that started January 7th, 2025.

We are fortunate that our apartment still stands, but due to our location on Washington blvd, we evacuated and have only been able to return one time (which is why I don't have further photos at the moment of the damage). The one time I went back to my home it was filled with ashes, smoke, and my property riddled with extior damages. I was only able to go into my home for 5 minutes (just to grab a couple important items) with my mask on before I was starting to struggle with breathing and coughing (i have asthma so its awful conditions for me). I feel guilty asking for help as I know many have lost literally everything. So I understand if those families are priority. But if there is anything left to spare, I'd be so greatful...which is why I'm also not asking for a lot. Just enough to help fund the expenses I'll need to clear out my space, fix the damages, and maybe obtain a humidifier to clear my apartment of the toxic air so that it will be safe for my cat and to help keep my asthma at bay.

This whole thing has been a domino effect. I haven't been able to go to work, since I am displaced still for one but also my job works on a priority based system so I've been on call (i work in the costume department for Universal Studios) and i have not been called in nor scheduled so I have no way to be compensated by job for any hours at the moment, because i have none. And while they have reopened, and I have been called, I have had to decline those hours due to my circumstances and will have to do so until i am able to figure out my home situation. My boyfriend even got a job interview for the first time in months after searching endlessly but it was difficult as his interview was for the 8th over zoom so we had to go to a motel6 for him to prepare. The stress made him feel like he didnt do too well on his interview, and as a result he didnt get the job...a job that he felt good about getting prior and would of helped us so much. But due to the fires we are set back again.

Now we staying with my friend 3 hours south, as my family lives too far over 10 hours away, so my friends place was best..

Mostly for the sake of my cats well being. I'm fortunate that my little family is safe and that my apartment stands but like I had mentioned, the impact of all we have to do to make it livable again will be physically and mentally taxing on us lafter all the stress this has done and will make it hard to balance that time between work (when im able to go back asap) and fixing our home to what it was. (And I will have to have my cat babysat elsewhere while we clean so that's another thing I have to consider).

Thank you so much for anyone who reads this and as I said I understand if I'm not top priority but I am greatful if there is any help out there. I'll even just be happy to have recommendations for ways to clear a space of ashes and smoke? I have no idea how long it will take to remove the smell and lasting effects. I've never been through this before. I'm so overwhelmed and haven't been able to go home.

Anything helps. I'll be sure to update with photos if I'm able or answer any questions. Thank you.