Hollywood Apartment Fire Victim Fund

Hello, my name is Kent Tinsley. I was one of the unfortunate victims of the fire that occurred on 07/12/2023 at the properties of 7762-7768 Hollywood Blvd. If you did not see the news, here is another link: (https://www.youtube.com/live/-TlnEYmJJdw?feature=share) to paste into your browser. You can see a woman crawling on the ground, to the bottom right of the building, seemingly being ignored, as the firemen do their job.

She is symbolic of this situation. Many were seniors, on fixed incomes; and are dealing with some kind of health issue that requires regular post-acute care. The management company, Elavate, has been horrible, in my nearly 3 years at the property. Not only were these buildings mismanaged, where they regularly hired unlicensed handymen to perform unsatisfactory repairs; but they have always been unresponsive and malfeasant. After the fire, the buildings were looted, repeatedly. This happened because Elavate Management didn't secure the property with the required fencing/security and lockdown measures that night or even the next day; and was unavailable for phone calls from tenants, or city officials, during the entire event! It wasn't until, nearly 3 days later, that they secured the building!! So, not only are we, suddenly, homeless, but, whatever wasn't destroyed from fire, water, and mold contamination, has been stolen. So, for me (like the others) this is a total and complete loss of everything.

Along those lines, Elavate Management claims we are not covered by their Rental Insurance, which was 'included' in the original lease. However, we were all still paying the additional $30/month for the coverage, even after we were off the lease. There was never a reduction, or an "official" increase in rent. Some legal counsel has suggested that we should be covered in "good faith," due to these payments. The American Red Cross, who provided us with an emergency-shelter, also could not reach any 'decision maker' at Elavate Property Management.

Thank God for the American Red Cross, but they could only do so much. Like the other tenants, finding reasonably priced housing. in a decent area, will be a big challenge. Post pandemic, Landlords, want as much financial protection as possible, so they are asking for more. More stringent credit checks, application fees, a large deposit; and a much higher monthly rent, is a guarantee. And, the loss of all my personal property, and valuables is a lot to bare. Some financial assistance would lighten, what will be, a sudden financial burden. The other issue is spending a lot of money for my immediate housing needs, (until I find a permanent residence), since temporary motel/hotel vouchers can't be easily obtained anymore, via city programs, due to the Mayors' "Homeless Initiative." Because of those efforts, I have a sea of phone numbers, that lead nowhere, and no connection to any immediate voucher, which would help tremendously, if one was available.

As Elavate Management is only offering a return of our original deposit and prorated rent for this month; and will not even assist with any kind of relocation into one of their numerous properties throughout L.A. County, I am in immediate need of any amount you can donate. It would also help, because any legal action will not be resolved until much into the future.

Thank you for reading my story; and any donation will be greatly appreciated. God Bless you all!