My Story – Sidney “Moody” Mitchell

Survivor of the Pasadena and Altadena Eaton Fires

My name is Sidney “Moody” Mitchell, and I’m a proud survivor of the Pasadena and Altadena Eaton Fires. My family’s story is deeply woven into the history of Pasadena.

Our family’s legacy has always been about more than the homes we lived in or the events we hosted it’s about the community we helped shape, the friendships we nurtured, and the love we shared with those around us. That same sense of resilience and connection still guides me today, even through some of the hardest chapters of my life.

After surviving the Eaton Fires, I thought I had faced the worst of it. Losing my home, my belongings, and nearly everything I had worked for in an instant was something I could never have imagined. The loss went far beyond material things it felt like losing a part of myself, a piece of the life and stability I had spent decades building.

For a while, things began to look up. I found my footing again and tried to move forward with hope and determination. But recently, resources have run dry, and I’ve found myself struggling once more. I have not been able to secure stable housing, and I am now moving from friend to friend, staying short-term wherever I can. On some nights, when there’s nowhere else to go, I sleep in my car.

At 71 years old, living with a permanent disability, every day is a battle between resilience and uncertainty. I still try to stay grounded in faith, reminding myself that even in hardship, I’ve endured before and I will endure again. I keep believing that things will turn around, that there is still a path toward stability, peace, and home.

I’ve never been one to ask for help, but this is where I am now humbly reaching out. I’m trying to rebuild my life, piece by piece, with faith that better days are ahead.

If you’ve taken the time to read my story, thank you. Your prayers, encouragement, or any support you can offer means more than words can express. Each act of kindness reminds me that I’m not alone and that even in the most difficult times, there’s still light to be found.

Thank you for helping me keep that light alive.

Sincerely,

Sidney Mitchell

The Facts:

A Survivor of the Altadena Wildfires: Lost everything I owned in the devastating fires but remain determined to rebuild my life and regain independence, despite the overwhelming challenges.

Injured Maintenance Worker: I was injured on the job, and after undergoing multiple surgeries, I continue to face physical challenges while waiting for the compensation I am owed. Unfortunately, delays are expected due to the overwhelming number of claims being processed by insurance companies.

Fighting for Fair Compensation: As a result of my injury, but the uncertainty of receiving timely compensation has made it even harder to navigate daily life.

A Long-Time Resident of Pasadena and Altadena: I was born in Pasadena and have lived between both cities of Altadena/Pasadena my entire life. It is the only home I have ever known, and I have nowhere else to go.

Facing Physical and Financial Struggles: At 70 years old, with permanent disability, the path ahead feels unclear, but I am trying my best to regain my independence, despite the hardships.

Determined to Move Forward: Despite the trauma of losing everything in a flash and the weight of ongoing struggles, I am determined to rebuild and find a way to continue living with dignity and hope.

How Money Will Be Used:

Rebuilding My Life: Funds will be used to help replace basic essentials that were lost in the fire, such as clothing.

Addressing Medical Needs: Money will assist with medical bills related to surgeries and ongoing treatment, including any further care needed due to my injury.

Securing a Safe Place to Live: With no other home to go to, I will use financial support to secure temporary or permanent housing so I can regain some stability.