Joel and Talin Fire Recovery
Donation protected
Joel O'Keefe and Talin Tamzarian lost their home, their car, and everything they owned in the Camp fire on Thursday, November 8th.
Joel was home as smoke engulfed the house. When he looked outside, the flames were 50 yards away, giving him no time to gather things besides the clothes on his back and their cat, Momo. Joel was able to help neighbors evacuate, rescued a wandering scared dog, and spent time working with the police on Skyway Road helping clear abandoned cars in the gridlock that occurred as the entire town attempted to evacuate on the single road out of town.
Talin is the principal of Pine Ridge Elementary School and was responsible for evacuating the student population to safety back through the thick of the fire in Paradise, which she did successfully.
Joel and Talin are both physically safe and have been staying at a hotel in Yuba City working on next steps, with Talin also planning for the school's future. Thankfully, they have identified a rental home in a town about an hour away into which they will be moving today temporarily while things settle down.
As an artist/activist and school administrator, Joel and Talin have always lived a modest lifestyle but need to start from scratch in securing the essentials needed to start on the path to a normal life. Any financial help will really benefit them as they rebuild their lives after this catastrophe.
I am Tim O'Keefe, Joel's brother. All funds will go directly to Joel and Talin to help them with the resources they need to secure a new long-term rental in or near town and buy clothing, furniture, cookware, bedding, and other supplies needed to have a functional home again.
Joel was home as smoke engulfed the house. When he looked outside, the flames were 50 yards away, giving him no time to gather things besides the clothes on his back and their cat, Momo. Joel was able to help neighbors evacuate, rescued a wandering scared dog, and spent time working with the police on Skyway Road helping clear abandoned cars in the gridlock that occurred as the entire town attempted to evacuate on the single road out of town.
Talin is the principal of Pine Ridge Elementary School and was responsible for evacuating the student population to safety back through the thick of the fire in Paradise, which she did successfully.
Joel and Talin are both physically safe and have been staying at a hotel in Yuba City working on next steps, with Talin also planning for the school's future. Thankfully, they have identified a rental home in a town about an hour away into which they will be moving today temporarily while things settle down.
As an artist/activist and school administrator, Joel and Talin have always lived a modest lifestyle but need to start from scratch in securing the essentials needed to start on the path to a normal life. Any financial help will really benefit them as they rebuild their lives after this catastrophe.
I am Tim O'Keefe, Joel's brother. All funds will go directly to Joel and Talin to help them with the resources they need to secure a new long-term rental in or near town and buy clothing, furniture, cookware, bedding, and other supplies needed to have a functional home again.
Organizer and beneficiary
Tim O'Keefe
Organizer
Paradise, CA
Joel OKeefe
Beneficiary