Help the Ellisons During This Challenging Time

When you think of the Ellisons, they're more than friends to all of us - they're family. They're the ultimate hosts and welcome every person into their home with a smile, whether you're there for an intimate home cooked meal with vegetables from their garden, a game night, or a favorite of the year - their Halloween party. Unfortunately, our dear friends and family - Josh, Kelsey, and sweet little Hayley have been displaced from their home in Altadena due to the Eaton fire. Little did they know that leaving their home on Tuesday, January 7th would be the last time they would see their beautiful neighborhood as it was. Not only was their home filled with so much love and memories, but also the personal touches that Kelsey put in, as well as the endless hours Josh spent renovating and building their home to raise their beautiful family.

While the Ellisons are very fortunate to have their house standing, it remains to feel like a bittersweet situation. The fires managed to completely destroy their backyard containing so many valuables including Josh's toolshed, which Josh and Kelsey also hand built, along with thousands of dollars worth of tools that were used to help build their beautiful home. Their backyard is where they hosted many gatherings, became engaged to be wed, and also celebrated their wedding night...all gone after one night due to the fires. The true reality of their situation is while their home is standing, they are unsure of what "home" will look like for them.

Once they're allowed access to visit their home, their current journey will include navigating the overall damage of the toxic smoke and if the conditions will be safe enough to return with their young daughter.

In addition to the physical damage, the emotional toll of the loss of their neighborhood is weighing hard on the Ellisons. It's a sad reality they'll have to toil with as they determine if they will return to their family home as they are only one of the four remaining homes on their block.

The family is incredibly touched and grateful to everyone who has reached out to check on their safety, as well as offered to help in so many ways in this short time. If you know the Ellisons, you understand how generous they are…please consider giving in that same generous spirit. They’d greatly appreciate the support to navigate these uncertain times and unexpected costs not covered by other sources of aid. Please share this GoFundMe with your family and friends to help lift up the Ellison’s.

Thank you all so much in advance for showing your unconditional love to a family who is more than deserving.

Maricris Hyland (Duling & Ellison Family Friend)