On January 7, 2025, like so many others, I evacuated from East Poppyfields Drive in beautiful Altadena due to the Eaton Canyon Fire. Never thinking that hours later, my wonderful neighborhood and the place I had called home for the last 10 years would be reduced to rubble and ash.

In the blink of an eye, I lost my home, my car, and temporarily my job, but most importantly, I lost my cherished community and sense of belonging. While I know that I am one of the lucky ones, having evacuated to my childhood home, putting my life back together will not be easy. Any support from family and friends would greatly assist me in this process.