Desiree, David, and their two sons Zachary (13) and Michael (9) Russi lost everything in the Paradise fire. As the fire roared through Paradise, they were forced to abandon plans for Zachary's 13th birthday that day, and flee their small cozy trailer home at the Skyway Villa Mobile Home and RV Park with only the clothes on their backs and their beloved 10 year old dog Buddy.
They are currently in the San Francisco Bay area with relatives as they plan their temporary re-location to a weekend cabin in Nevada City, CA. The cabin is cold, they have no bedding, or warm clothes at this time. Their 1987 K-5 Blazer is barely hanging on and needs gas for their trip up to Nevada City, and multiple trips back to Paradise/Chico/Sacramento for supplies and to apply for financial assistance/FEMA/Red Cross support and look for work. Both parents lost their jobs, because, well, no town, no work. Their trailer home wasn't insured, they were renting the land it was parked on. They were living pay check to pay check.
Anything you can contribute will help in the short term for personal items, the longer term with finding a more permanent rental home, and ultimately locating gainful employment to begin to rebuild their lives. The kids will need much support as they transition into a new school or re-enter Paradise schools again.
Below are photos of their burned out trailer, a before photo, the entire family, and Buddy the dog.
I found this family on the Facebook page "Paradise Fire Adopt A Family" and was immediately struck by Desiree's initial post of not knowing where to start to ask for help, her confusion and obvious pain. Having dealt with multiple survivors of Katrina, I recognized that familiar behavior of a sense of helplessness, anxiety, and PTSD, so I moved to help her help her family. I am only coordinating this effort, all funds go directly to the family.
They are currently in the San Francisco Bay area with relatives as they plan their temporary re-location to a weekend cabin in Nevada City, CA. The cabin is cold, they have no bedding, or warm clothes at this time. Their 1987 K-5 Blazer is barely hanging on and needs gas for their trip up to Nevada City, and multiple trips back to Paradise/Chico/Sacramento for supplies and to apply for financial assistance/FEMA/Red Cross support and look for work. Both parents lost their jobs, because, well, no town, no work. Their trailer home wasn't insured, they were renting the land it was parked on. They were living pay check to pay check.
Anything you can contribute will help in the short term for personal items, the longer term with finding a more permanent rental home, and ultimately locating gainful employment to begin to rebuild their lives. The kids will need much support as they transition into a new school or re-enter Paradise schools again.
Below are photos of their burned out trailer, a before photo, the entire family, and Buddy the dog.
I found this family on the Facebook page "Paradise Fire Adopt A Family" and was immediately struck by Desiree's initial post of not knowing where to start to ask for help, her confusion and obvious pain. Having dealt with multiple survivors of Katrina, I recognized that familiar behavior of a sense of helplessness, anxiety, and PTSD, so I moved to help her help her family. I am only coordinating this effort, all funds go directly to the family.
Organizer and beneficiary
David Russi
Beneficiary