Help the Kern family!

On October 9th the Tubb’s Fire ripped through Santa Rosa. The following day, our team member Chazandra Kern shared with us the terrible news that her family's home of over 20 years had been completely destroyed in the fire. Her father evacuated at 3:00am, while her mother was still at work. He managed to grab a few photos and important documents and fled as quickly as possible, leaving his truck behind. The entire Coffey Neighborhood was destroyed, displacing a tight-knit community of neighbors that shared countless meals and laughs at the Kern family home.

The LA-Más family has been heart-broken by this tragedy and we are rallying together to launch a crowd-funding campaign to support the Kern family as they attempt to piece their lives back together.

This is Chaz's account of what happened: 

"Over 20 years ago we moved into our home on Hopper Ave in Santa Rosa’s Coffey Park Neighborhood. My parents met while my dad was stationed on a US Navy Base the Philippines where my mom worked. Coming back to the United States, they both chose Coffey Park to start building their lives together. My sister and I grew up surrounded by a strong sense of community in a home we could call our own.


Together we found lifelong friends across the street, down the block and right next door. My parents loved sharing their home and what they had with others, often filling their home with family on holidays, friends on random weeknights, and for the occasional slumber party. After my sister and I moved out my parents continued to live in their home, along with their cockatiel and two budgies.


The Fire
Early morning on October 9th the Tubb’s Fire jumped over the 101 Freeway and destroyed the Coffey Park Neighborhood. In an instant my dad evacuated by himself, while my mom was at work around 3:00 am. He grabbed a framed photo of their wedding day hanging in their room, photos of my mom’s family in the Philippines on her night stand, and my sister/my diplomas. He left in my car, leaving his truck, and waited in a mess of traffic, feeling the heat as the fire approached everyone trying to escape.


Like so many others they lost their home and all their belongings in the fire. Everything we owned and everything they had built for themselves and for us was gone. It has been devastating to see my Coffey Park family and friends lose everything. Beyond that there has been so much loss suffered by everyone affected by the fires in Sonoma County.

http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/7588914-181/cal-fire-4658-homes-destroyed?gallery=7567866&artslide=0

What’s Next
Everyone in my neighborhood has been displaced, but are looking to rebuild their lives by taking it one step at a time. My parents have found temporary housing and have received outstanding immediate support from people donating work uniforms, clothing, and other basic necessities. We are incredibly humbled by the love everyone has provided during this time.


Their long term goal is to rebuild their house. The process will be long, taking at least two years as the county, city and individuals decide on how to take on the next steps of rebuilding. Donations will go towards a truck for my dad so that he is able to continue his small businesses and for financial support as they rebuild their home. I’m grateful for the support and love found in my community and beyond. Our neighborhood has been wiped away, but the memories each one of those homes held for each family stands strong. I’m gracious for the place my parents gave me that I called home. No amount is too small, anything helps and is beyond appreciation."

Please consider making a donation to the Kern Family on this website. All funds will go towards purchasing a new truck for Chaz's dad so that he is able to continue his small businesses, which provide critical financial support as they wait to rebuild their home. No amount is too small, anything helps and is beyond appreciation.

Help us send love and solidarity to the Kern family!