Eaton Fire: Support the Patterson Family's Recovery Journey

We will all get through this together. It is with this spirit that we want to help.

Our friends, Vernon and Shelan Patterson, like so many others, have just experienced an incredible loss. An unimaginable loss woven with laughter, pain, memories, sacrifice, family, and love.

Shelan is a born and raised member of the Altadena community. Decades ago, she bought a little house on Lake and over the years shared this home with pets, Onyx and Snickers, her soulmate and husband, Vernon, two bonus children, Sarah and Julian, and she and Vernon’s beloved daughter, Leilani.

When it was time, Shelan and Vernon took what they thought they needed for a few days and evacuated to a friend’s home, never expecting that it would be the last time they would see their home standing. Surprised and horrified by the Eaton Fire’s escalation and severity, they soon realized they hadn’t packed important documents, cherished mementos, and tangible items any of them might need in the coming days, weeks, or months.

When they returned 2 days later-

Everything. Was. Gone.

The family was blessedly intact; Shelan, Vernon, Leilani, and Snickers were safe and together. But the beloved city of Altadena where Shelan grew up was decimated. In exactly the same moment they were mourning the loss of their own home, they mourned the homes of neighbors, friends, and all of the local businesses they have needed, supported, and frequented over the years.

Both Shelan and Vernon have built their legal careers around helping underserved people and communities. They have fought for people who needed their expertise, navigation, and their help. Now they find themselves in need of some of those same things. While they will have to get back to work and Leilani will have to ultimately return to school, we want to help them in this uncharted territory by finding support and help for them during this rebuilding phase.

We know that with our support, the Patterson family will persevere. They are currently seeking support to cover unexpected costs and assist with needs that might not be fully covered by other sources of aid. Like all victims of unexpected tragedies, life keeps life-ing and their daily expenses will continue. Any donation and any sharing of this story is meaningful and truly appreciated.

Let’s give back to a family who has created a blueprint for what it looks like. This will never replace what they have lost, but it will help lessen the burden of what the future has in store.

Thank you so much for considering helping in any way you can. Together, we can help a family that has given so much to others rebuild their lives.

Friends of the Patterson family.