The heart of my home is my mom, Frances Colella. Please help

Dear Friends and Supporters,

I have always been proud to call Altadena my hometown. More than just a place, Altadena is a rich tapestry of unique cultures, and it has always felt extraordinary to me.

My name is Maeia and my mother, Frances Colella, father, Wayne Zimmerman, Stepfather, Dennis Tyree, and grandmother, Sally Colella, spent my entire life raising me in and around this funky amazing town. My connection to Altadena runs deep. Its hidden corners are filled with cherished memories, and the friendships I've forged here are integral to my identity.

My mother’s house was not merely a shelter; it was a sanctuary that taught me the importance of building my own temple, nurturing my appreciation for nature, and remaining deeply anchored in our community.

I have spent countless hours riding horseback through the mountains, finding solace and adventure at the top of Lake Avenue, and visiting the Rancho Bar that embodied our authentic local history and culture.

My mother’s home has been completely decimated by recent fires, leaving us devastated.

The challenges we face extend beyond the loss of our homes; they encompass the emotional toll of displacement and the urgent need for stability. We are desperately seeking support to help cover familial expenses and to begin the long road toward rebuilding my mother’s home.

Your contributions will go directly to helping us work towards restoring our family’s living situation. Any amount, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in our lives.

Unfortunately, our beloved Altadena now faces challenges that extend beyond the physical damage caused by recent events. Water availability has been severely compromised, and families, particularly our elderly neighbors on fixed incomes, are struggling. It pains me to ask for financial assistance when so many in our community also need help. However, we must come together to restore not only our homes but also the spirit of our community.

I ache for the intangible treasures—the comforting smell of the couch on our front porch, the sweet scent of grass and jasmine wafting through the air as spring turns to summer, and the warm embrace of the morning air as I would skulk through the front door at 6:00 AM, undetected, as a teenager. I mourn the bees that once filled our entire backyard perimeter wall with life, creating a hive that was a testament to our little world and all of the hand-made, one of a kind, irreplaceable art created/gifted/collected/curated by me, my mother and so many beloved friends and family.

Thank you for your generosity and love for Altadena.

Please know that any and all funds donated will only be applied to costs exceeding insurance or federal aid allowances (because who knows what that will be)