"Look for the helpers."

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”

―Fred Rogers

Group of volunteers

I recognize that so many have experienced unimaginable losses due to the Eaton Fires, and my heart goes out to everyone affected. It has been a challenging time for so many, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share resources.

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, a second-generation Angeleno, with my children now representing the third generation. During the 1994 Northridge earthquake, I was living at my parents' home in the San Fernando Valley, and I witnessed firsthand the challenges of rebuilding afterward. To say I have never before been afraid of a windstorm like the one that started on Tuesday, January 7th is not hyperbole. Waking up to black skies and the intense smell of smoke Wednesday morning felt like Armageddon.

While I never thought the fires would reach my home, I was still deeply concerned about the air quality, both for myself and my pets. I decided to pack up and head to my dad’s house to regroup and figure out my next steps. As a member of the board for the Women's Twentieth Century Club of Eagle Rock, I had been posting items on Facebook Marketplace for the club. A woman who had been in contact with me about that reached out on Thursday, January 9th, asking if we could host a donation/distribution hub in partnership with two North East Los Angeles (NELA) groups (NELA Purge and NELA Mamas). We met in person on Saturday, and by Sunday afternoon, we were receiving donations at the Clubhouse.

I wish I could share all the stories I gathered from January 12th through the 19th while volunteering at the donation and distribution site with @nelapurge and NELA Mamas. The power of women is incredible—they can move mountains, and do so with love, empathy, and humor. It was a blessing to witness the profound impact this effort had on those displaced by the fires. Seeing the strength and resilience of the community during such a difficult time was truly inspiring.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, the triage where we administered hugs and held space for the grief. There is so much work left as we rebuild our communities. That being said, here are some organizations and businesses that can be helpful resources at this time:

1. Brands Providing Products to Families Impacted by LA Fires

2. Assistance for people of color that lost their homes in Altadena (pro-bono architectural design)

3. NELA Purge has a temporary warehouse for the next 6 months and will continue to provide clothing and support for those displaced

4. Free chiropractic care for those affected & first responders thanks to Back Benders in Eagle Rock. Email info@backbenders.com vs booking online

5. Free acupuncture for those affected & first responders thanks to https://ercaclinic.com/

6. At the distribution hub, I offered free in-person Reiki and will continue to offer free, remote reiki to those affected & first responders. You can DM me via Instagram

7. I'm on the board for Passive House California (part of an international organization) and here are some resources from them on how to build back smarter:

   1. Resources and Info: PHN's page on Passive House rebuilds

   2. Incentives: The CPUC incentive package that gives $20-$30K to PH rebuilds will be launched on Jan. 20th 

8. For the artists, via Los Angeles Makery - free art supplies to start creating anew.

9. Animals - whether lost or found - Pasadena Humane Society and for large animals Los Angeles Equestrian Center

10. Recycling unusable excess textiles (much of what was donated in the last few weeks was ready for the trash bin, not someone's closet)

11. Hazardous waste removal resource

12. Free wine for those displaced - no this isn't a joke and don't judge!

13. Restaurants that either lost a location or owner lost their home - you can support them by eating at their remaining locations.

14. Free furniture resources:

    1. Home Bank LA

    2. Zello Support

    3. LA Can Do

15. Free space rental for displaced arts organizations.

16. 6 months free commercial & studio space for artists, craftspeople and small businesses at the Reef DTLA

    
    

Please reach out if you have additional resources that you would like shared at info@the-silver-lining.com.

My free Interior Design eBook here    

Always look for the Silver Lining

Volunteering at the Women's Club in Eagle Rock