Not How I Thought This Would Go
We are okay, so many are not
Greetings, readers.
I’m writing this from our home in Pasadena, which, mercifully is still standing. After evacuating and being lucky enough to have offers of safe places to stay, we were only gone for one night and came home to an intact neighborhood. But we are a mess, ya’ll.
There are still evacuation orders in this ever changing nightmare. We are not out of the woods yet, although my family is currently safe. Hopefully, our area has seen the worst of it. But if I’ve learned anything from this horrific experience it is that we have no idea what happens next. If you’re the praying kind, please pray. Otherwise, good vibes and positive energy is helpful as well.
While I thought I’d be launching a new substack this week with some fanfare, it is not happening. I hope to organize and bring it back soon, but we’re still watching fires pop up around the city and hearing about huge losses from friends, and friends of friends, neighbors and strangers. I don’t know when I’m going to feel like getting back to normal, whatever that means. For now, I’m going to keep this space populated with organizations and individuals who need your help. Please share, and help if you can.
I have many friends who have lost their homes. Not all of them have GoFundMe Accounts, but here are some that do. These are all people we know. Friends of my children’s friends, my husband’s friends, personal close friends, and professional connections. If I receive more requests, I will add.
Coordinating with other humane societies and rescues, Pasadena Humane Society is looking only for monetary donations at this time. There has been an outpouring of supplies and they are set with those. In addition to taking in over 400 pets due to the Eaton Fire, the PHS cares for wildlife in the region. A worthy cause all year round, they are especially in need right now.
A student from Eliot Arts Magnet started this organization (with support of her parents) to help bring some normalcy to the teen, tween, and young girls who have lost everything in Altadena. Eliot Arts was also destroyed in the Eaton Fire, and it was a school I toured with my son when we were looking for a middle school. (The middle school my son ultimately attended, also burned to the ground.) It was a wonderful, public, arts-focused middle school that served a diverse and creative population. If shopping for girl stuff is your love language, please jump right in to support mental health for these kids who have been through more than they ever should.
The WCK always shows up when people are suffering and need nourishment. Right now, it’s California (among many other places around the world). Days ago we received alerts telling us where we could get a meal provided by Chef Andres’ incredible organization. They are on the ground first, are easy to find, and stay until they are no longer needed.
I’ve talked here before about my belief about incarceration and, well, my disbelief. Currently, juvenile and adult inmates are fighting these fires in Southern California. This fund will see that those risking their lives and their health working inhumane hours to save us. These funds will ensure they are paid once they are out of the system.
April, I've been thinking of you and your family. This weighs heavy on my mind and heart. Thank you for sharing the links. I've located a resource via Instagram of GoFundMe requests. Here it is if you'd like to take a look and/or post. https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/wildfire-relief/california?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=bcgfm_california_wildfires_palisades&utm_content=palisades#/ Hoping for all best outcomes. Love, Theresa