Help Kathy Rebuild Her Life After the Palisades Fire

Kathy Thoman, a fixture at Lake Shrine for 57 years, lost her small apartment and her livelihood in the Palisades fire. All the funds collected will be deposited directly from GoFundMe into Kathy's bank account to help cover needs not met by other sources of aid.

Here is Kathy's story in her own words:

I've been a devotee since 1968 and deeply involved with the Lake the whole time. I was “raised” by Brother Turiyananda, who was such an influence as a mentor and guide in my spiritual life. I was blessed to get Kriya the first time from Brother Premamoy and then from Daya Ma. I helped start the Sunday School at Lake Shrine and open the Retreat, where I worked for 12 years and then volunteered in all sorts of capacities ever since.

My apartment building completely burned down; I left with only a couple of things. I grabbed my altar pictures, but I’m very sad about losing all my SRF magazines, books, and notes from the last 57 years. I had some fantastic notes. I was able to grab my little locket with Kriya petals in it, and a strand of Master’s hair. Thank God I got that.

I lived in the Palisades for 30 years in the same apartment. I could afford to live there because my landlord only raised the rent 3% a year. I had a front and back entrance to the apartment, my own washer and dryer, and best of all, my own private meditation room.

The market I worked at, Ralph’s, burned down as well. So I lost my job the same day. Since I have a permanent partial disability, I do not expect to be able to work again due to my limitations. My only income is a little over $1,200 a month from Social Security and my pension combined.

I’m temporarily staying with my daughter and granddaughter in Mar Vista, sleeping on the couch in the living room. There’s not much space, and I need to find a place of my own as soon as I can.

I want to be as close to the Lake as possible. I have a very old car and have to watch gas costs, but serving at the Lake is my life so I need to be close. I won't be working now so I'll be at the Lake all the time.

Thank you so very much for any help you can offer. It’s been a nightmare, but I’m practicing faith and trust as Master taught us.