Fires took disabled Vietnam War Veterans' home, please help.
Donation protected
My name is Jacob Fennell. I am a US Citizen and I work in Germany for a US Defense Contracting agency on a logistics contract supporting the US Army.
My mother and father, Kathleen and Roger Fennell, lost their small and modest home in Altadena, California. The majority of their neighborhood was completely destroyed in the recent fires which have been ravaging Los Angeles County.
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My parents have always been proponents of doing good for others. They both served in the Vietnam War, in the US Army, he as a medic and she as a volunteer Army nurse. They worked very hard in the medical field, including volunteering to provide much-needed medical services to patients in developing nations such as Romania, Columbia, Vietnam, Kenya, Argentina, and Mexico. They are not rich, and they do not have three or four other homes like many celebrities we keep hearing about. After all they have experienced in their lives, they deserve to live in peace.
My mother and father left their home with only the clothes they were wearing, and they are now living in a hotel temporarily. It was a very quick evacuation with little to no time to prepare. They left behind vital medicine and medical equipment Everything they worked for, everything they did to create this home, it's all gone. Everything, gone.
Any assistance is appreciated, as it will be costly to pay for the following:
- Lodging
- Food / water
- Clothing
- Fuel
- Relocation
We have never asked for handouts or assistance. We work hard, and we keep to ourselves. This is utterly critical. If anyone can provide any assistance, if possible, it would be appreciated.
If you do not feel comfortable donating to this cause, then please donate to the following charities:
The elderly, young children, disabled, sick, and especially animals are especially affected in this fire more than many people might think.
Thank you, and respectfully,
J. Fennell
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Update: 19 January 2025
My deepest gratitude is extended to everyone who has contributed to this fundraiser so far. Every little bit counts and helps immensely. Thank you to everyone here. It has been overwhelming to say the least, especially since I cannot be with my parents at this time.
They are still staying in a hotel. It is not clear exactly how long they will be staying there. They have not yet been able to go back up to Altadena to see the house. Some Altadena residents have been allowed to return. You can see updated satellite imagery of Altadena here. Much of the town, in particular the northern half along the foothills, completely destroyed.
One donor wrote to me and indicated that this fundraiser was broadcast by the Guardian. I didn't expect that to happen, but it did, and we are grateful for this.
See the article from the Guardian here.
More updates to be posted in the near future. In the meantime, it would be greatly appreciated if you could share this fundraiser with anyone you know.
Thank you kindly and more to follow.
Very, very, very respectfully,
J Fennell
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Update: 22 January 2025
Once again, thank you to everyone out there who has been so kind to donate to this.
The situation is still the same as they are still in a hotel. They will need to find another location, and resources within the area are available. One Organization, Off the Grid, has been in touch with me and my parents will be contacting them to discuss resources to find housing.
Yesterday, the wire route between GoFundMe and my credit union was established and verified, and now I am able to transfer it to them. The first transfer of donations has been initiated and we are awaiting confirmation of completion.
The house has been deemed completely unsafe for entry. Almost nothing has survived the fire. All that remains are the chimney, and the brick and cement foundation, metal patio chairs and a table in the back, as well as a few empty pots.
The main priority now is that they are able to secure more permanent housing while beginning to initiate procedures for recovery.
This entire experience has been entirely traumatic for them. The donations which have come in will help to provide a buffer between the added stresses coming from uncertainty. Additionally, they have been able to get more clothes by this point.
I cannot thank you all enough for the concern and copassion you have displayed.
More updates to follow.
Very respectfully,
J Fennell
Organizer
Jacob Fennell
Organizer
Altadena, CA