My cousin Janine and her husband Jonathan lost everything except their cat and themselves in the Eaton Fire, part of the Los Angeles-area wildfires of January 2025. This photo is of what's left of their home. They are incredibly grateful to be alive and yet they have lost everything.

This fundraiser is intended to address life needs not covered by FEMA or traditional insurance and is vital, particularly given the still-growing scope of the wildfire damage in the LA area. All the funds raised here will go directly to Janine and Jonathan.

Late Tuesday night, Janine and their cat, Ty, sought safe shelter with a small overnight bag. Jonathan stayed to try to protect their home, but then the wildfire surged, their house began burning, and he escaped with his life in the middle of the night. Their home is gone, as is everything in it.

Family, friends, colleagues, and friends of friends, have asked how to help. We will list their needs here, updating as needed.

First and foremost, they need safe, reliable shelter. They grabbed a laundry basket with clean clothes - and they have an odd assortment of things! Janine has 5 bras but Jonathan has only 2 pairs of underwear and neither really have work shirts. As for shoes, Janine has only the Keds that were on her feet.

Janine and Jonathan need clothes, shoes, medicine, toiletries, meals. They will need to replace work equipment. Once they find lodging, they will need groceries and related items. Once they figure out next steps with their lost home, they will need additional items. There will be a shortfall between what insurance will provide and what they actually need to start over.

This GoFundMe focuses first and foremost on their emergency needs and short-term capacity to live, work, and begin putting their lives back together. Thank you in advance for your help and kindness. From Janine's Cousin Robin.