Rebuild Fair Oaks House & Continue its Amazing Work

On January 8th, our beloved Fair Oaks house was destroyed in the Eaton Canyon fire. My name is Tim Hartley and I am the executive director of Jubilee Homes of which the Fair Oaks belonged. This home has meant so much to people over the years it is devastating to know it's gone. To anyone who has been helped, directly or indirectly, by the Fair Oaks house and its residents over the years and would like to help please consider donating here. Funds will be used to help rebuild and to continue the amazing work of the Fair Oaks house. Below is a story about the way the Fair Oaks house presence in the community of Altadena made and will continue to make an impact.

Let me tell you about a 10-foot werewolf whose presence in Altadena brought people together.

If you've driven through Altadena in recent years, you may have noticed a towering werewolf standing proudly on the front lawn of a home at the corner of Fair Oaks Avenue and Mariposa Street. Affectionately named Norman, this gentle giant first appeared during Halloween of 2022. That year, relentless rains soaked the season, prompting the residents to outfit Norman in a bright yellow rain jacket. And with that simple gesture, the community fell in love.

The “Fair Oaks house,” as it’s known, is one of four homes in the Pasadena area operated under the name Jubilee Homes and owned by the Church of Our Saviour. For over 22 years, this home has provided affordable, safe, and sober housing for men in recovery from addiction, giving them a foundation to rebuild their lives. The ten men who live there have been extraordinary neighbors—kind, conscientious, and engaged. Norman’s story began when Sergio, one of the residents, purchased the werewolf as a Halloween decoration. Little did he know, the werewolf would become a symbol of joy and unity.

Norman quickly became a beloved fixture in the neighborhood. A Facebook group sprang up in his honor, and when he suffered damage, a GoFundMe page was created. However, the men at the Fair Oaks house declined the financial help and repaired him themselves. Christmas cards addressed to “The Werewolf House” started pouring in, with heartfelt messages like, “You’ve brought joy to me.” Neighbors stopped by regularly to take selfies with Norman, and trick-or-treaters who hadn’t visited in years returned in droves. Norman didn’t just bring happiness—he helped solidify the connection between the Fair Oaks house and the community.

Tragically, like so many in Altadena, the Fair Oaks house and Norman were consumed by the Eaton Fire. The only remnants are the chimney and the steel frame that once held Norman high. Thankfully, all the residents of the Fair Oaks house made it out safely. We are now working to secure new permanent housing for them while assessing the next steps.

In true spirit, the men of the Fair Oaks house didn’t let tragedy keep them down. The very day after losing their home and Norman, they were back in the community, volunteering and helping others in need.

May God bless the men of the Fair Oaks house, whom I love like family, and all those who have endured unimaginable loss. May we continue to discover moments of unexpected joy—like those so generously shared by a 10-foot werewolf named Norman.