Support Kristopher and Grandma After Fire Loss

Kristopher Young and his grandma lost their home in the fires affecting the Altadena area. My name is Jade Novarino and I am a friend of the affected, trying to relieve Kristopher and his family of any extra responsibilities during this time and raising money for them for their transition.

This photo is all that’s left of their home.

Kris is a long-time friend of mine, we met on Tumblr through a shared love of music and art circa 2009 high school days — the days when people at our respective high schools weren’t enough to make us feel seen, where we had to search the internet (not too) far and (not too) wide to find our soul siblings. Kristopher was that for me, he gave me much solace in those days, excited to come home to check my inbox for the friendship that was flourishing online. We were teenagers at the time, and though growing up not too far from each other, meeting IRL was not an option—until we eventually did.

In 2017, I was running my second season of a DIY art space in Portland, Oregon and Kristopher was working under a moniker “Grandfather” at the time. He flew out and brought his collaborator and friend, Keen, and we spent a blissful summer week and days together. He performed a live score and a new film he’d recently made and he won over the hearts of all who came to that intimate and meditative performance that night. We thought we’d make a ritual of this summertime together, and then of course, the pandemic happened, and plans change.

It’s been a while since we’ve been reunited in the flesh but I carry our connection and formative friendship with me all the time. He’s a friend who never leaves my conscious or my side no matter how long the gap in our seeing each other is.

He is a beloved community member, musician, curator, visionary, artist and he needs us to show up for him and his grandmother right now. Please donate whatever you can to this Altadena based artist and his family while they continue to try to make it through these trying times.

Earlier today, Kristopher wrote on his Instagram: “I usually don’t post anything personal on here but unfortunately my house has burn down; as well as many other people I know and love. to those dealing with this tragedy, DO NOT hang your head. this is an opportunity to start anew and let go of the past. the physical is only one aspect of life; take care of your mental and spiritiaul. thought i don’t have much to offer as of now, anyone from Altadena who needs anything, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. we will all get through this together and be better on the other side.” Despite his own experience of loss, Kristopher remains hopeful that all will be okay. Let’s help him and his grandmother really feel that everything will be okay and worry about one less factor — money — in this transition to whatever comes next.

We're not sure if and when insurance will kick in and what the aftermath of these ongoing fires will be like. They have lost irreplaceable items and have been displaced of their home. All funds will be used towards finding stability in the short-term and paying for items for daily living. I can't stress enough that they've been displaced, traumatized, and are going to be grieving for a while. Give any amount and help relieve the worry of basic necessities.