Re-Shaping Lives After the Eaton Wildfire: A Family’s Plea

I am writing to humbly ask for your help as my family and I face an incredibly challenging time in the aftermath of the devastating Eaton Wildfire. This Fire has turned our lives upside down, leaving us and those we care about in urgent need of support. Im a single mother of 4 children and grew up in the Pasadena/Altadena area. Although we do not currently live there my roots are there and I worked and my children go to school In Altadena.

As an in-home caregiver/CNA, I’ve dedicated myself to helping others, and for the past year, I’ve cared for Mrs. Ruthie Hopkins, who has become like family to us. Tragically, Mrs. Hopkins lost her home on E Loma Alta Dr to the fire, leaving her displaced and heartbroken. I cannot begin to express how it hurt me to find out that not long after I left her in her home tuesday it was comepletely gone. We have bonded over the last year and I would like to continue to care for her in the future once she is more stable.

The wildfire also forced my children out of school, Odyssey Charter School is located in an evacuation zone that suffered severe damage, and OCS south campus was destroyed. The uncertainty of when—or if—classes will resume weighs heavily on our hearts, as they love their school and community. Several of my daughters friends and classmates have suffered tremendous losses. The emotional toll this has take on us as a family has caused many sleepless nights for all 5 of us.

I am doing my best to stay strong, but the financial and emotional toll has been overwhelming. We are seeking funds to help with:

• Basic living expenses, including food, clothing, and shelter for my family.

• Supporting Mrs. Hopkins as she navigates the process of rebuilding her life, as well as other friends and classmates who undoubtedly need support

• Ensuring my children have access to alternative educational resources while their school remains closed.

Any amount you can contribute would mean the world to us as we work to recover from this tragedy.

If you’re unable to donate, sharing our story with others who might be able to help would be an incredible gift as well.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness, prayers, and support during this difficult time.