Help a Mother Rebuild Her Life After Palisades Fire

Historic Devastating Fires decimated and burned down my mom's home and our beloved community. Her home has been reduced to rubble and ashes; with it are almost all of her belongings, her clothes, pictures, memorabilia, books, etc.. Within twenty-four hours it was all wiped away, we're still struggling to wrap our minds around it, we are shocked and devastated, and she needs your help to move forward with her life from here.

This community is everything to my mom, she has been working as a substitute teacher at all of the local schools. On school days she loved walking with her backpack to Marquez Elementary, on the way she’d always hear students call out, “Hey Ms. Beall!”. She adores these kids so much and our hearts goes out to each and every one of them and their families in these desperate times. Up until recently, she worked as a hostess at Angelini’s and provided notary services for various people/businesses around the Palisades. She says it has been a pleasure to serve this magical community and it breaks her heart to think life might never be the same there.

Since evacuating, she's been waiting, praying that her home was spared, but some brave Angelinos went into her neighborhood and took footage of her street, and I am incredibly sad to report it is in fact gone.

Here is her account:

"The initial fire started around 10:30am, Tues. morning, Jan. 7th. The growing sound of helicopters and sirens caught my attention, so I stepped out the back and was shocked to see a huge cloud of dark smoke filling the sky over the Pacific Ocean. When I turned towards the hills I could see the source of a rapidly growing fire and dark billowing smoke filling the sky. Then came the evacuation notification on my cell, so I called my housemate & she said she was stuck on Sunset Blvd in gridlock and trying to get home to grab items. I threw whatever I could in a few suitcases, and got out as quickly as I could. I was torn between two voices: one that said "grab more stuff", and the louder voice that said, "get out while you can, it’s not worth it!" I really believed I'd be going back, I know now I’ll never get to.

I am grateful to be living, healthy, and still here to enjoy another day. One thing I've always said, but feel now on an even deeper level, is that my biggest virtues are my friends, family, listeners, and just connecting with the lovely caring compassionate people out there, even strangers! I am determined to be like the Phoenix rising from the ashes and to pull up my community along with me! When humanity sticks together, we can accomplish ANYTHING! Thank you for visiting and sharing my situation and know that your thoughts, prayers, & any donation will aid in me getting back on my feet with bare essentials, food, & a roof over my head for now are SO appreciated.

Much love, Sherry."

My mom lost her home, her job, and almost all of her belongings, please help as she tries to recuperate her life. She needs funds to purchase essentials like clothes and hygiene as well as finding and affording a new home.

Anything is appreciated.