Support Florina & Milton's Altadena Fire Recovery Journey

PURPOSE:

My name is Shannon, and I live in southern California. My Aunt Florina (Aunt "Flo" as we call her), her husband Milton, and their sweet dog "Peaches" are one of the thousands of families displaced by the devastating Eaton Fire in Altadena, CA- part of the Los Angeles area wildfires that broke out the first week of January 2025. We are incredibly grateful that the family escaped the fire physically unharmed. They are temporarily housed at a local hotel, but as you can imagine, their lives have been turned upside down.

Many have asked how they might help. I'm launching this fundraiser to create a seamless pathway for friends, family, colleagues, and even strangers to support Florina & Milton's life needs not covered by FEMA or traditional insurance. Imagine waking up tomorrow realizing everything you owned had been damaged beyond repair from smoke, water, and retardant or burned to the ground. Imagine what you and your family might need to make it through such a catastrophe. That’s what Florina and Milton need right now. This GoFundMe focuses first and foremost on emergency needs that will allow Florina & Milton to live, work, and put their lives back together in the short-term. Beyond that, we hope to support the shortfall that will likely exist between what insurance provides and what the family needs to recover long-term. All funds raised here will go directly to Florina & Milton.

Aunt Flo's house is miraculously still standing amongst a pile of ash in her quaint Altadena neighborhood- most of which has burned to the ground. Their belongings inside the house are likely damaged or no longer useable and the infrastructure in the region (water, utilities, etc.) may render her home uninhabitable for the foreseeable future. It may take 6-8 months before the property and neighborhood are remediated from toxins and considered safe to move back in/rebuild. Your generous donations will serve as a bridge to support their journey from devastation to recovery.

BACKSTORY:

Aunt Flo and her family have deep roots in the Pasadena/Altadena region. Her parents married in 1953 at the "Friendship Pasadena Church" (the oldest Black Baptist church in Pasadena) at which her brother is now the head pastor. Florina and her siblings were among the first Black students to integrate the Pasadena School District in 1964. Florina married Milton in 1988 and they moved to Altadena in 1990 and have lived in the same house for the last 35 years. Their house was originally built in the 1940s and Milton has taken great pride in painting, landscaping, and creating a beautiful modern space they both love.

Florina & Milton's faith plays an integral role in their lives and is the vehicle through which they support organizations near and dear to their hearts, like "Youth with a Mission- USA" (an organization that went to Haiti in 2010 after a devastating 7.1 magnitude earthquake killed hundreds of thousands of people), "Union Station Homeless Shelter" that provides the unhoused monthly meals, and "Family Promise of San Gabriel" (an organization that supports children & families that are experiencing homelessness in the San Gabriel region).

In 1967, Aunt Flo (age 13) met the Scharnberg family and became best friends with my Aunt Becky at Marshall Junior High School (which, thankfully, has not been affected by the fire). Aunt Flo was unofficially "adopted" by the Scharnbergs and became an honorary member integrated into the fabric of our family. She's participated in every major family event- wedding, funeral, birthday party, housewarming party, and holiday celebration. As she has loved and supported each of us along the way, we now stand in solidarity to support her recovery from the fire.

CALL TO ACTION:

There’s unimaginable need in the Los Angeles area right now, and it will take a very large “village” to help everyone recover. Consider ways you might support the recovery process. For those who are financially able, there are many (like Aunt Flo & Milton) who have GoFundMe pages set up- consider donating. If you prefer, consider a general donation to the Red Cross California Wildfire Relief Fund. You can even dedicate your Red Cross gift to a friend or loved one. You might also consider a financial gift to World Central Kitchen - a nonprofit organization that's providing meals to those affected by the wildfires. If you are unable to donate money, consider donating your time, positive energy, and prayer. All are welcome and needed.

I can't explain much of what's going on in our world today, but I know one thing to be true...the kindness we show to those in greatest need will return to us tenfold when we need it most. Together we contribute to a circular “giving economy” where LOVE is the currency.

You are greatly appreciated.

With Gratitude,

Shannon & the Scharnberg Family on behalf of Florina, Milton, and Peaches ❤️