Help the Titchenells Recover After the Eaton Fire

L-R: Katinka, Denis, Matt, Fiona, Katinka and Denis again <3

2229 Navarro being a lush riot of green before the fire (unfortunately taken during some roadwork!)

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By January 7, 2025, Denis and Katinka Titchenell had lived at 2229 Navarro, in Altadena, California, for nearly 40 years. They had built a life here, raised two daughters to thriving adults, and helped develop growing minds as public school teachers. At 74 and 63 years of age, they were just settling into what should have been their well-earned retirement years when the Eaton Fire swept through Altadena and took away everything they had built together.

Now, 2229 Navarro is little more than a foundation and a chimney. While emergency crews have still not allowed the Titchenells to get close enough to search the rubble, it seems probable that all of their possessions have been destroyed, apart from what they could hurriedly throw into their car before evacuating to their daughter and son-in-law’s small walk-up apartment. Countless family memories and heirlooms have gone up in smoke overnight.

Denis struggles with multiple disabilities, including severely limited mobility, which the apartment is not built to accommodate, so getting around has been a challenge. He has lost his wheelchair to the blaze, along with the musical instrument collection and flourishing garden that he has poured so much creativity and care into over the years.

Katinka had just retired this past summer, and was looking forward to peaceful days of developing her artistic skills and watching the neighborhood birds, but now her art supplies and her little village of birdhouses, birdfeeders, and birdbaths are all gone.

Altadena has always been a tightknit community. The Titchenells have deep roots and are determined to return home and support their neighbors through their own losses. As people who have lived their lives as helpers, it’s difficult for them to ask for help for themselves, but in this incredibly difficult time, they need it.

Through this fundraiser, they’re hoping to gather enough money to buy a tiny home or trailer to live in on their lot while they figure out a way forward. With your donation, you can help make this possible.

Thank you for all of your time and consideration in reading this today.

Additional notes:

Who we are: Fiona and Matt Carter

Where we are: San Gabriel, California

Our relationship to the beneficiaries: Denis and Katinka's daughter and son-in-law.

How funds will be spent: All funds will go directly to Denis and Katinka to help them get back on their feet. If they are unable to reach their tinyhouse/trailer goal, funds may go to cover other housing options, or other post-fire needs such as replacement clothes, toiletries, medical devices, etc.