Support Stephanie Pia's New Beginning

Like so many other people we know, Stephanie Pia has been displaced due to the Eaton fire. Whether you know her personally or from her photography, you know how special of a place Altadena was, often using it as her backdrop for photos and video work.

I’m starting this campaign to raise money to help support Stephanie during this difficult time.

To know her is to love her! She has helped so many of us over the years, whether creatively or lending a hand, I would like to do the same for her.

This is what she had to say via Instagram after the 1st week of the fire:

I am so fortunate that my apartment building in Altadena is still standing, but I don't know when l'll be able to return-or if anything inside will be salvageable due to smoke damage. It's likely unlivable for the foreseeable future. I managed to grab a few belongings: my main digital camera, laptop, and some clothing (thanks to a bag of laundry l had in my truck while heading to a friend's place).

Unfortunately, I have no access to the rest of my photography equipment, hard drives containing all my work, or my massive, unorganized tub of negatives.

l also had a closet full of vintage clothing, including items i wore regularly and rare pieces Id set aside as a "just in case" collection. I don't yet know the extent of the damage. Recently, I'd been investing a lot into my apartment, like purchasing a new mattress which is now unusable. I didn't have insurance although it doesn’t seem like people have had much luck with that anyway.

I'm not expecting my landlores to prorate rent or refund my deposit, but that still up in the air. Regardless, I won't be living there anytime soon. There's no power, no water, and the area is unstable. The building suffered some direct fire damage, and until repairs are made, I doubt it will meet city safety standards. I'm also coming to terms with the reality that moving will likely be my only option. Where I'll go and how that process will unfold is still unknown but I'm trying to take things one step at a time as I figure it all out. Thank you for listening and for all the kindness from friends. It means so much to me.