On January 8, my Auntie Kitty, her husband Jeff and their dog Red, were forced to flee their home in Altadena, as devastating wildfires swept through Southern California. By that night, the unthinkable was realized - the home they had worked to build together, a place they called their “forever home”, filled with a lifetime of memories, and irreplaceable belongings - was gone. Their home held the added historical and cultural significance, as the former home of Connie Rice, a trail-blazing civil rights lawyer, and activist.

To know Kitty and Jeff is to love them. They are soulful, compassionate, creative, and incredibly giving people, who have tirelessly dedicated their lives in service to others. Both worked in the Los Angeles Unified School District for over 25 years - Jeff, as a high school teacher, and Kitty, a social worker serving students in grades K-12. Through their lifelong commitment to education, wellness, and social justice, they’ve impacted the lives of thousands of young people and their families.

They both dream of returning home to Altadena, to work alongside their neighbors in rebuilding their beloved community. We’re asking for your generosity to support them through this difficult time, and to help them in realizing their dream.

DONATE: Your contribution, big or small, will assist with vital needs that might not be fully covered by other sources of aid.

SHARE: Even if you’re unable to donate, sharing this campaign with your network, helps us get the word out. Every bit of support counts.

Even in their time of personal challenge, Kitty and Jeff are most concerned about others, specifically the multigenerational black families impacted by the Eaton Fire. To learn about more ways to support the black community in Altadena, follow @communityaiddena