Rebuilding Madison and Her Cat's Lives After Altadena Fire

If you are reading this, you are likely aware of the terrible fires that are displacing many individuals and families throughout the Los Angeles area. Around five in the evening on January 7th, my cousin Madison Serr received notification to evacuate her home in Altadena, one of the areas most affected by the Eaton Canyon fire. She was able to safely get out with a few clothing items and her beloved cat.

Around three in the morning, she received notification that firefighters were on the scene because embers were over the houses on her block. Only four hours later, she got a text informing her that the house was gone.

Recently, Madison has been working full-time as a dog-walker in her community, but since all her clients are in the affected areas, there is no telling when she will be able to return to that.

Also, while she is currently safely at her sister's home, when it is time for her to rebuild her life and get another L.A. residence, it is going to take help (especially without the dog-walking to count on). According to Apartments.com, the current median rental price for a studio in Los Angeles is around $1692/month and many landlords expect a two month deposit along with your first month's rent. That means a little over $5,000 to begin rebuilding her life in a studio with her cat.

Since she is considered an independent contractor as a dog walker, that presents some challenges in receiving unemployment compensation for the moment, so we are also hoping she can get recouped some lost wages until she is able to get back to doing the work that she loves.

Finally, she lost everything she owned in the fire aside from a few clothing items. That means furniture, clothing, musical instruments, appliances, and everything else that makes a home a home. We are hoping that there is enough in this fundraising effort to not only cover getting Madison a new place, but also help her get started in making a new home liveable and cozy.

Of course, Madison will be applying for federal and state help that is offered for survivors of the fires, but there is no telling right now when that help will come and if it will be enough to cover all that she needs.

Your help is greatly appreciated. If you know Madison, you know that she always does all that she can to look out for the people in her life.

It's time that we look out for her.

Thank you so much.