Dear Family, Friends, and Kind-Hearted Strangers,

I write this message with a heavy heart but also with hope in my soul, seeking your help in rebuilding not just the life of an extraordinary woman—my mother, Hendrena Martin—but also preserving a vital piece of history in Altadena.

Our world was recently turned upside down when her home, built 65 years ago by the loving hands of my late grandfather, Henry Martin (1928-1997), was tragically destroyed by the Los Angeles/Eaton fires. This was more than a house; it was a cornerstone of Black resilience, a repository of family and community legacy, and a sanctuary rooted in the rich history of Altadena’s community.

The home was built in one of the few areas Black families could live at the time, as a little known legacy of redlining and segregation has shaped Altadena’s history. In the face of systemic exclusion, my grandfather poured his heart into creating a space where our family could thrive—a home that symbolized hope, determination, and the promise of a better future.

My mother had been working tirelessly to fulfill my grandfather’s dying wish: to renovate the home, expand the living spaces, and create a haven for veterans in need. This vision was part of a larger tradition of Black communities in Altadena—caring for their own and preserving a legacy of service and resilience. With this fire, we lost not just walls and belongings but a vital piece of history that linked us to those who came before.

For years, my mother has been a quiet hero in Altadena and Pasadena. She has offered childcare to families, dedicated her life to educating special needs children, and worked on securing housing for seniors. She embodies the values of service and community that have long defined Altadena—a community shaped by hope, care, and the determination to thrive despite obstacles.

My mother has always been the one to give. From her quitting her lifelong dream and successful career in television to take care of her sister. As well as, working 2 or 3 jobs to raise me as a single mother. She cared for her ailing father, ensuring his dreams lived on even as his health faded. Eventually, she had to move into the family home to show the same unwavering devotion to my grandmother, Margaret Martin who is still with us at the age of 96. But now, after this devastating loss, she needs us to rally around her, just as she has always done for others.

The funds raised will go directly toward rebuilding the family home and preserving a legacy of memories:

• Replacing Essential Belongings: Clothing, furniture, and other everyday items lost in the fire.

• Recovering the losses in this journey of rebuilding

• Replacing a Hospital Bed: Critical medical care needs for her 96-year-old mother, my grandmother.

This is not just about rebuilding a house; it’s about preserving a legacy of love, service, and community; deeply rooted in Altadena’s rich history. My mother’s life has been a living testament to these values, and now it is time for us to support her as she has supported so many.

We humbly ask for your assistance—whether through a donation, sharing this message, prayer or offering words of encouragement. Every contribution matters, and no gesture is too small. Together, we can help my mother, Hendrena Martin, rebuild her life and honor the legacy of service and resilience that this home represents.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, generosity, and solidarity during this time of need.

With gratitude and hope Drena’s Daughter,

LaShondra Ellis