Help Jorge & Genaro After the Eaton Fires

Help Jorge & Genaro After the Eaton Fires

When the devastating Eaton fires tore through Southern California, many families were left in ashes—literally. Among those affected were two incredibly hard-working and humble individuals, Jorge and Genaro Serrano, who recently began working on our street when our landlord switched gardening services.

In the short time I’ve known them, I’ve been deeply moved by their resilience and dedication—but nothing prepared me for what they shared with me recently.

Jorge lost his entire home. Nothing remains but rubble. Just days before the fires, he also suffered a heartbreaking personal loss with the passing of his daughter in Mexico.

Genaro lost half of his house and is now staying with his sister along with his wife and three kids.

When I found out about their situation, my first reaction was shock. I said to Jorge, “What are you doing here cleaning our yard? Go, get out of here—this doesn’t seem right.” But Jorge and Genaro, with their incredible humility, simply smiled and said, “No, no, this is our job. It’s easy and will be quick.”

I don’t know anyone else who could suffer such devastating losses and still show up to work the next day, cleaning yards because they NEED to get paid. Their resilience is humbling, but their situation is heartbreaking.

Who I Am

My name is Joel D. Catalan, and I live in Monrovia, California. Jorge and Genaro recently began working as the gardeners for the property we rent, and I connected with them to express my gratitude for their hard work and to check in after the fires. I was heartbroken to learn about their losses, and I am setting up this GoFundMe campaign to provide them with support during this incredibly difficult time.

How Funds Will Be Used

Your contributions will help Jorge and Genaro as they process and recover from the devastating effects of the Eaton fires. The funds will allow them to take the time they need to process their losses, support their families, and begin rebuilding their lives.

While the exact needs may vary, all funds will be turned over directly to Jorge and Genaro as the beneficiaries, giving them the flexibility to use the support where it’s most needed.

How You Can Help

What if, together, we could give them something priceless: the time and resources to heal, grieve, and rebuild their lives—all because of the generosity of strangers?

A Note From the Heart

These men work tirelessly not only for their families but also for the families in our community. Let’s come together to remind them they’re not alone. Let’s blow their minds with our collective generosity and show them that kindness exists, even in the darkest of times.

Every dollar counts. Please consider donating or sharing this campaign with your network. Together, we can give Jorge and Genaro the support they so desperately deserve.

Blessings, Joel