Fire Recovery for Katie and Her Kitty

Along with over 2/3 of Altadena, my cat and I have been facing this crisis that left us displaced from our home. While we were lucky to escape with our lives, our belongings my livelihood have been affected, and our future is uncertain. I’m reaching out to ask for support as I navigate this tough time. Any help would mean the world to me and makes a significant difference in getting back on my feet. I am overawed at the rallying spirit of this neighborhood and the wellspring of caring strangers in our midst. I believe positive thoughts have great value and influence in this world, and I thank you for yours even if that's all you can give. In that case, please share the link!

Donations will go to rent at my current temporary location, moving and storage expenses, items that can't be donated or purchased with food stamps, replacement of work materials, internet and phone, and a down payment on a new place. (And whatever the cat wants!)

It is hard to ask for help, but I am reminded daily by my human bestie that if it feels like too much, I will inevitably pay it forward.

Hi! I'm Durga the cat. I have a human, Katie, I was born in her closet in Altadena. Katie is an artist, but I'm a very busy hunter. I climb trees and catch lizards and let them loose in the house for Katie to chase. She loves it!

On January 7th our neighborhood caught fire, starting from a block away in Eaton Canyon. We only had fifteen minutes' warning and only got away with Katie's laptop and my carrier. It was very scary, I cried until I lost my voice.

Three quarters of our neighborhood burned to the ground. The smoke and ash are terrible and Katie and I already have trouble breathing, so we haven't been able to go home to keep up with the lizards. This makes Katie sad. I try to knock things off bookshelves in this Airbnb as often as I can to keep her active.

Much of our home is contaminated with lead oxide fumes, asbestos, arsenic, and things a cat can't pronounce. Katie says living in LA is very expensive, and between the two of us it will take a lot of lizards. We are sad to leave Altadena, but we won't go far. Katie says almost everyone is looking for a new place to live, and we have to be patient.

If you would like to help us, I also need lots of toys to refuse to play with, and snacks. I'm stuck in a small bedroom watching birds out the window and I miss rolling around in grass. Katie seems sad. I hide under the bed and cry when she leaves.

Thank you for reading our story. I am shy and it's hard for me to make new friends. Katie says thank you too.

NPR - Some Altadena homes survived the fires