Help my sisters and community recover from the Eaton fire

My name is Crystal and I live in San Diego, CA. I want to help my two sisters, Jennifer Goodrich and Valerie Winters, their families and community to get back on their feet as they have been directly impacted by the Eaton Canyon fire in Altadena, CA.

My sisters’ families have been displaced since Tuesday, 1/7/25. They are currently piled up in a room with their cats at a friend’s house, obviously grateful to be alive and together! While they are incredibly fortunate to have their homes still standing, they are still under evacuation orders, not able to return to their homes, unsure as to whether their homes will be habitable when they do return, and unable to work as their businesses are home-based.

Jennifer and Valerie and their families have lived in the Altadena area for 24 years. Jennifer’s 18 year old son, Theo, born and raised in Altadena attended both Village Playgarden and Aveson Charter schools, which were taken by the wildfire. Many other schools, grocery stores, beloved businesses and countless historical homes, churches, parks and beautiful hikes and nature centers are heartbreakingly left in ash and rubble.

This fire ripped through the center of their strong, richly connected community and it will take years to recover all that was taken from everyone in 8 short hours. The air and water is acidic and toxic. Most homes without power. You’re lucky if you see or hear a bird or two. Such wildlife and family pet devastation.

My sisters’ families have over 35 friends and neighbors who have lost their homes. Some of those friends have home businesses, stores, restaurants, and/or jobs that have also been lost simultaneously. My sisters shared with me there is an extraordinary and IMMEDIATE need for assistance in their community now.

Countless neighbors and friends have lost their homes AND cars, making it impossible to commute to work. Other friends have had to return to smoke-filled homes and hazardous conditions because they didn't have insurance and couldn't pay for a hotel after a few nights. Other neighbors have pets who need medical attention, but they simply don’t have the funds. Jennifer is active with the wildlife in the area and has a friend who received clearance to go to each home, checking under the burned and standing homes, for beloved hurt or lost pets. She intends to help in the assistance of reuniting them with their families, paying for their medical needs and donating to shelters. Story after story from the inside of this beautiful Altadena community where people need help right now. If you are able to make a donation to help my sisters and their community it would mean the world to them . . . and to me. No donation is too small … this is going to be an extremely long road ahead to recovery. Thank you ❤️