HOW TO HELP DISPLACED BLACK FAMILIES IN ALTADENA

Artwork courtesy of Marcus Leslie-Singleton

Nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, Altadena has long been a refuge for creativity, activism and resilience. Home to a diverse and tight-knit community, the charming town carries a rich cultural history of inclusion and opportunity. In the early 20th century, when nearly all Los Angeles neighborhoods were still governed by redlining and exclusionary policies, Altadena became a sanctuary for Black families by offering a rare chance at homeownership. Soon, the town transformed into a beacon for Black prosperity and generational wealth, with modern families living in the homes their grandparents once purchased.

Throughout the years, Altadena’s legacy has persisted, fostering a rich cultural scene that values self-expression, creativity and community. From legendary jazz musician Johnny Otis to civil rights activist Ellen Garrison Clark, the town has nurtured countless individuals who helped shape Los Angeles’ artistic and political identity. Even with century-old Craftsman homes, 30-foot cedar trees and a towering skyline of purple mountains, Altadena’s most beautiful quality will always be the ones who call it home.

But this January, the Eaton Fire tore through Altadena, devastating its historic neighborhoods and displacing families who have thrived in the community for generations. Many Black residents now face the loss of homes, businesses and community spaces, threatening a legacy built over decades. To support those affected, we’ve gathered resources that directly assist Black families. Whether you donate, volunteer or spread the word, every action helps ensure that Altadena’s Black community can remain and rebuild.

Displaced Black Families GoFundMe Directory:

This comprehensive list outlines more than 800 Black families who lost their homes in the L.A. fires and need direct support. The directory tracks the progress of donations and is continuously updated to prioritize families that are furthest from their fundraising goals.

Village Playgarden:

An early childhood school founded by Kikanza Ramsey-Ray, the Village Playgarden was inspired by “her vision of bringing together a diverse community of families located in the historically Black community of Altadena.” In January, the Eaton Fire tragically destroyed their classrooms, displacing 40 families and leaving a significant gap in childcare and early education in the region.

Little Red Hen:

A community staple since 1972, the Black-owned coffee shop and diner burned down and needs help to rebuild. Serving beloved Southern staples like chicken & waffles and catfish & grits, the restaurant has been a local treasure for over 50 years.

Dena Fire Relief Fund:

This fund directly supports impacted community members with food, hotel/housing support, transportation, emergency assistance and any other essential needs. So far, the organization has served 6,000+ families affected by the Eaton Fire, providing 400,000+ pounds of essential items and $75,000+ in gift cards.

Fire Poppy Project:

This fund supports renters who are Black, Indigenous, of color, and/or low-income whose homes were either burned down or contaminated by toxic smoke and ash in the Eaton Fire. Most renters do not have insurance that covers the necessary cleanup services, and with many landlords refusing to contribute, the Fire Poppy Project covers cleanup, relocation and item replacement costs.

BIPOC Support & Donations Tracker:

Created by The Culturist Group, a Black-owned, multicultural marketing agency in L.A., this list tracks support and donations for BIPOC and immigrant residents who lost their homes and businesses in the Eaton Fire. The list contains the names, support links and personal stories of over 150 families and individuals whose lives and homes were impacted.

Pasadena Rosebud Academy:

The Black-owned charter school, with enrollment made up of 58% Black students, was destroyed in the fire and needs help to rebuild. Serving roughly 200 students in grades TK-8, the school is a foundation for the community that teaches students to value “academic excellence, character development and cultural awareness.”

The Law Family GoFundMe:

After 50+ years of residing in Altadena, the Law family (artist Marcus Leslie-Singleton’s great aunt and uncle) lost their entire home in the Eaton fire. Any donations are appreciated as the family works to rebuild and restore their lives.

Altadena Girls:

Founded by Avery Colvert, a 14-year-old girl whose school was destroyed in the Eaton Fire, this initiative provides free clothing, boutique services and personal care items for teen girls in Altadena. The group places emphasis on providing Black hair care products so local teens can regain a sense of normalcy.

It’s Bigger Than Us:

The Black-led volunteer organization, committed to uplifting marginalized communities in Los Angeles, has shifted all their efforts to disaster relief since the L.A. fires began. Thus far, they have served 15,000+ meals to first responders, mobilized 3,500+ volunteers and distributed essential aid to more than 5,000+ people.

WalkGood LA:

This family-led community wellness organization formed during the Black Lives Matter Movement and has created a job listing resource for Black individuals who lost employment due to the fires.

Community Aid Dena:

What started as a list of GoFundMe fundraisers shared by two Altadena natives has grown into a full-fledged mutual aid initiative. This grassroots network of concerned community members is leading the charge in rebuilding Altadena and Pasadena for Black residents, offering aid, resources and mutual support – including the Displaced Black Families GoFundMe Directory.

Black Women for Wellness:

This nonprofit organization works to improve the health and well-being of Black women and girls through advocacy, personal empowerment and health education. In the wake of the Eaton Fire, the group is offering direct physical and emotional support to the community of Altadena, including a resource list for essential items, childcare, small businesses, immigrant services and more.

Black Art Matters:

The largest Black-owned pop-up in the world, Black Art Matters showcases artists of color to raise money for those in need. On February 22, they are hosting Pop Out For Dena, an art and music benefit for those who lost their homes and businesses in the Eaton Fire.

Octavia’s Bookshelf:

Pasadena’s first Black-owned bookshop, named in honor of the renowned Black author and former Altadena resident Octavia Butler, has become both a vital community resource and a hub for donations. The shop has turned all efforts towards fire relief – collaborating with local organizations to rally volunteers, collecting books for displaced students, and even finding homes for neighborhood pets that have been abandoned.

All Power Books:

This Black-owned, non-profit community bookstore offers weekly grocery distribution, free books, a community fridge, group studies and workshops for the people of Altadena. The store is collecting funds to cover rent and utilities, ensure the free store is stocked and conduct mutual aid projects.

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HOW TO HELP DISPLACED BLACK FAMILIES IN ALTADENA

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