Hi, my name is Denise. I am one of the residents and fire victims of the Altadena fires, where my family and I lost our house. Our home was entirely burned down to the ground. Almost 95% of Altadena is gone or burned down. The entire city has been destroyed or affected. Our entire street was literally wiped out.

Today, on Wednesday, January 8th, 2024, at 3:30 am, we heard banging on our door, and it was the Altadena Sheriff’s Department. We were immediately told, “We are to evacuate the neighborhood; everyone has to get out immediately.” We only had enough time to put on the clothes on our backs and get out. As soon as we got outside, it was a big ball of fire, sparks, and embers flying everywhere.

I am disabled with MS (Multiple Sclerosis), I’m 71 years old, and I cannot walk. I have a wheelchair, and I live with my son and daughter. I lost my husband, who was a Vietnam Veteran, in December, so I am a widow now. My husband and I bought this house in 1979. This is our kids' and family’s childhood house and memories. However, this morning, my son lifted me up and put me in the car. Then they put our 2 dogs in the car, and we had to hurry up and escape. We left with only the clothes on our backs. We lost everything.

We are now homeless and have no other options. We are asking that if anyone can help us with funding to go towards anything for hotels, food, supplies, money, or anything that you can help us with, we would appreciate it. Thank you. The funds will be spent for hotels, food, supplies, money,