Help Amanda Rebuild After Fire Displacement

My name is Amanda. I’ve lived in Altadena since 2020, and the Eaton Fire uprooted my life. Since then, I’ve had to move 15 times. On July 14, I’ll lose access to my current place and have nowhere lined up next. I waited to create this GoFundMe because I was hoping to receive support directly without platform fees, but time is running out and I need help now. My main expenses are housing and transportation. I have a small trailer, but I’m not sure my 2005 Scion xB can tow it safely for long distances. I’m trying to cover gas, short-term shelter, and basics like food and hygiene items. I receive disability and I’m on CalFresh, but my food allotment is only twenty dollars a month, which doesn’t even cover a week of groceries. Because of my health, I can’t return to the property or participate in cleanup. I tore my right shoulder before the fire. At the time of the evacuation, even picking up a piece of paper was painful. I still evacuated with two dogs, loaded the car myself, and drove a manual transmission vehicle. That injury still limits what I can safely do. I also have a herniated disc from L3 to S1, which makes daily life more challenging. Some items in the home may not be safe for me to be around, and I don’t have control over what stays or goes. Until the space is fully cleared, I can’t risk returning.

I’m a writer and recently published my first book, The Poetic Murder of My Love. While displaced, I’ve written three short scripts, directed one of them, and directed another short written by someone else. I’m also working on budgets for two feature films. These creative projects are my hope for the future, but they aren’t paying the bills today, and I haven’t made much money from my book yet. Creativity and humor have helped me get through some of the hardest days, and I try to stay hopeful even when things feel overwhelming. I lost nearly everything I had in the home. I’ll need to replace essentials and personal items like my printer, PS3, Quest 2 headset, TV, jewelry, and keepsakes. I also lost my Burning Man and Ren Faire costumes, which were a big part of how I express myself and connect with community. These may not be basic needs, but they are part of rebuilding a life, not just surviving one. Despite everything, I’m still trying, still creating, and still holding onto resilience. I’m asking for help now because I’ve run out of backup plans. Any support you can offer, even just sharing this, brings me one step closer to safety and a new beginning. Thank you for reading and for helping me hold onto hope.