Aid Tonja and Family in Overcoming Tragedy

Hi, my name is Tonja, and I never imagined I would be in this position—displaced, grieving, and unsure of what comes next.

On January 7 at around 5 AM, I had to evacuate my home in Altadena with my son, my daughter, and my four grandchildren as the fire spread. We left with only what we could carry, hoping we’d have a home to return to.

The very next day, while still processing the shock of losing everything, my father suffered a heart attack and passed away on the way to the hospital. I didn’t even have time to catch my breath before tragedy struck again. Losing him so suddenly, in the middle of all this devastation, has left me heartbroken in ways I can’t even describe.

My daughter made the difficult decision to take her kids out of state, which I completely understand. That left my son and me to deal with the aftermath alone—sorting through the fire damage, the loss of our home, and the grief of losing my father.

I’ve called Altadena home for over 60 years, and now, I have nowhere to go. I’ve been staying at a shelter at the Pasadena Convention Center for the past few weeks, and I’ll be moving to another shelter in Altadena soon. But without any other options for safe temporary housing, I don’t know how long this will last.

My home isn’t safe to return to—not until all the toxic debris is cleared and the roof and attic are rebuilt. Until then, I’m left with nothing but uncertainty.

I need help with basic necessities, clothing, and essentials while I figure out what to do next. Any support would mean the world to me during this difficult time.

If you can donate, thank you from the bottom of my heart. And if you can’t, please consider sharing my story. Your kindness and support will help me take the next step forward.

With gratitude,

Tonja