Help Cliff Rebuild: From Tragedy to Hope

Hi, my name is Barbara Walker-Green from Altadena, CA, and I want to take a moment to share the story of an special man who’s like an uncle to me—someone who has spent his many years of his life lifting others up but now needs our help. His name is Clifford Burston.

Cliff isn’t just family by marriage—he’s family in every sense of the word. Over the years, he’s been like a rock—not just for me, but for so many others. When I started my transportation company, Cliff volunteered his time selflessly, helping me transport seniors to and from their dialysis and chemotherapy appointments. But he didn’t stop there. If a patient felt weak or anxious, Cliff would sit with them in the waiting room, offering quiet companionship and genuine care. That’s just who he is—always present, always giving, always kind.

His heart is as big as his spirit, and his loyal dog, Happy, reflects that same energy. Happy isn’t just a pet; he’s Cliff’s constant source of joy, keeping his spirits high even during the toughest times

Cliff's journey began in Detroit, Michigan, where he grew up in a large family with nine siblings.

He discovered his passion for music early on, working as a songwriter at Motown Records. But like so many, life took unexpected turns, and he faced struggles with addiction. Yet, Cliff is a fighter. In 1998, he made the decision to get clean, rebuild his life, and dedicate himself to helping others do the same.

For 19 years, Cliff helped manage a sober living house called Quality Life Sober Living in Altadena, California. Over the years, he lived alongside more than 200 men, helping them get to meetings, find jobs, stay accountable, and simply have a safe place to sleep at night.

He didn’t just manage the house—he lived in it. He was more than a mentor; he was family to those he helped, cooking meals, providing transportation, and ensuring no one ever felt alone in their recovery.

One of those people—let’s call him Noah—was in and out of jail before coming to Quality Life, stuck in a cycle of addiction and incarceration. But with Cliff’s support, he turned his life around, found steady work, and never looked back. Stories like Noah’s are proof of the impact Cliff has had on so many lives.

Beyond his work in addiction recovery, he also volunteered part-time for my private transportation company, where we took seniors to their chemotherapy and dialysis appointments. He was always the one to step up, making sure these elderly patients got to their life-saving treatments safely and on time. That’s just who Cliff is—someone who shows up, who cares, and who gives, even when he has little himself.

Then tragedy struck.

The Altadena fires burned the sober living house to the ground. Everything Cliff had is gone. I know firsthand how devastating these fires were—my own home in Altadena was threatened, but miraculously, it was spared. Cliff, however, lost everything.

Now, at 74 years old, he is living in a small temporary motel room, trying to figure out what’s next. He’s never been one to ask for help, but if anyone deserves a second chance, it’s Cliff. That’s why I’m organizing this GoFundMe—to help Cliff get back on his feet, find stable housing, and continue doing what he does best: helping others.

Use of Funds

1. Safe & Stable Housing

Securing an affordable place to live or purchasing a used mobile home where Cliff can live independently on his fixed income.

Renting in California is out of reach for Cliff.

Covering costs for registration, insurance, and initial setup.

Finding a safe place to park and maintain the mobile home.

2. Basic Necessities

Clothing & Shoes: Essential items lost in the fire, including jackets, pants, shirts, and footwear.

Food & Groceries: Funds for groceries and meal delivery while he gets back on his feet.

Personal Care Items: Toiletries, medications, and other daily essentials.

3. Mental Health Support & Stability

Access to counseling or mental health services to help process the trauma of losing his home and community.

4. Rebuilding His Life

Household basics: Bedding, cookware, and other small necessities to make his new home livable.

A small emergency fund to cover unexpected costs as he transitions to stable housing.

If this story moves you, and you believe in redemption and second chances, I ask that you please donate. No amount is too small—every single contribution makes a difference. And if you can’t donate, please share this gofundme link.

Together, we can show Cliff the same kindness and generosity he has shown to so many. Let’s remind him that after all these years of being there for others, he’s not alone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYi0QrBNWgs&t=1s

Thank you for your support.