Help community after Eaton fire

Help Me Rebuild and Support Our Community

UDATE: I finally had an inspector come to the house and they told me that it wasn’t safe to live in. Due to asbestos and lead contamination in the attic space. I’ve been staying there for a month in these conditions. The owner of the house didn’t put an insurance claim in. I finally pushed them to do so. And as you can imagine, they are backed up. So I was able to receive emergency housing, but it ends this week. I’ve still been paying my rent at the house. And it could be months before the house is able to be lived in again.

Hello, my name is David, and I live in an area devastated by the Eaton Canyon fire. First, I want to thank you for taking the time to read my story. Whether you choose to share it or make a donation, your support means the world to me. Any contribution will not only help me rebuild and regain stability but will also enable me to continue supporting others who may not have the resources or voice to ask for help.

I hesitated to create this GoFundMe because I’ve been fortunate not to lose everything like so many in our community have. My heart aches for them. But this tragedy has left its mark on me, too. I’m uncertain if the house I’ve been staying in will remain available, and the emotional weight of returning is overwhelming. As much as I struggle to admit it, I need help.

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What I’ve Seen and Experienced

On the first night of the evacuation, I chose to stay behind, even amidst the chaos. It sounded like a war zone. I stayed because I wanted to protect my home from the fire and looters, and didn’t have the resources to go to a hotel.

The following morning, I walked through the aftermath and saw the destruction firsthand. Entire neighborhoods were reduced to ashes. Just a few blocks away, I checked on a friend’s home—an elderly woman who lives with her blind son. Their house was completely gone. I was in shock.

This community has been my home. I’ve lived in many places across the country, but Altadena was the first to truly welcome me. It gave me a sense of belonging I hadn’t felt before. Now, seeing it in ruins breaks my heart.

Since the fire, I’ve tried to help wherever I can. I assisted a couple in navigating a blocked road to check on their house after hearing it had been spared. That’s when I captured a photo of an angel statue standing amidst the devastation.

At another corner—Lake Avenue and New York Drive—I met a friend who hadn’t yet seen what was left of his home. I showed him a video of where his building used to be, and he broke down in tears.

The area remains evacuated due to smoke damage, contaminated water, and the constant presence of armed guards. The smell of ash lingers, the PTSD is real, and the knowledge that my community is forever changed is overwhelming.

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Thank you for reading my story. Your kindness and support, whether through a donation, a share, or simply taking the time to listen, mean more than words can express. Together, I hope we can begin to rebuild—not just homes, but the spirit of a community that welcomed me with open arms.