Lake Avenue Church

It was just 18 months ago that a local man, along with his spouse and two young children, found their perfect house for rent in Altadena. The husband is a dedicated booking agent for two years, worked hard to provide for his family. Life, though busy, was stable and filled with the joys of raising a young family. Then came the fire. While their home didn't burn to the ground, it suffered significant smoke and heat damage, rendering it uninhabitable. The family was forced to evacuate, and their lives were instantly uprooted. Since then, they've been living in a hotel, a temporary and uncertain existence that weighs heavily on them. Every day is a search for a new normal, a new place to call home.They paid out of pocket the $1,500 for lead poisoning testing. The Landlord would not cover those costs or the HVAC and other significant cleanings and damages that their insurance didn't cover. Because of this, they knew that he could not bring his two 7 year olds back in this living environment under those conditions. Your support would not just provide funds; it would provide a foundation for them to rebuild their lives and create a safe, permanent home for their children after this devastating experience. I am advocating for $10,000 to cover the deposit and first months rent for this year long Air BnB stay that is in Altadena, which is very important to the family to stay in their beloved Altadena and in the community where they feel the most supported.

A hard working 19-year-old Non-Minor Dependent (NMD) has been employed at the same restaurant for over a year. However, in the last several months, they consistently cut his hours, causing a financial strain. Since then, he has been proactive in his job search to secure a position with more hours, applying at security firms and markets near his house. He attended a job fair recently and completed several applications. His goal is to attend trade school for plumbing. He is studying to get his driver’s license, which he was told he needs to attend the trade school. He has received a debt collection notice after being unaware of an outstanding medical bill from an incident in May 2024, where he went to an urgent care and emergency room while on an out of state trip. After receiving the notice, he called to see if his insurance would cover the expenses but was told that it would not be covered as it was not a life-threatening emergency for which he sought care. This is a responsible young man, and he is very anxious about this debt of $704.99. He is worried it will affect his credit, and his future plans. He cannot afford to pay the bill.
I can provide a copy of the bill and collection notice. Thank you in advance.

A local woman and her partner are facing an unimaginable ordeal after their beloved English Tudor home in Altadena, a house they lovingly maintained and upgraded for 20 years, was tragically lost to fire. This home, which was about to celebrate its 100th anniversary, was not just their residence but also the heart of her successful charcuterie, luxury picnic, and tablescape design business. The fire, however, consumed her entire inventory, bringing her side business to a complete halt for the past six months. Despite having a day job, the loss of her business income has created a significant financial strain that her primary employment cannot compensate for. The immense stress has even exacerbated her lupus, causing a full flare for months due to constant worry about their finances. Their home at was a total loss due to fire. Furthermore, the loss of her business inventory represents a significant blow to their income and her ability to contribute financially. Providing this support will not only alleviate their immediate financial strain but also offer her the opportunity to restart her business, regain her financial independence, and alleviate the stress that is impacting her health.

This elderly grandfather is deeply devoted to his grandson, who has intellectual disabilities. The grandson has a pending application for benefits, but it may take some time for them to kick in. He requires significant daily support, which can be challenging for his grandfather to manage alone. Despite these difficulties, this grandfather remains committed to providing his grandson with a good life, and the two rely on each other for survival. They are currently in need of assistance to help cover the costs of food and some utility bills. Any support during this difficult time is deeply appreciated, as they continue to thrive together.

Mother/Non- Minor Dependent needs Bunk bed set no mattress, Queen size bed with mattress, black microwave, and 6 drawer dresser for kid’s room. Mother has financial issues and is doing the best she can to meet the children's needs. Mother just started working as a janitor, but the job placements are scarce. Mother may work one day for 2 hours, and the next day for 4 hours. Mother doesn’t have a consistent schedule. Although, mother is having that challenge, she is meeting the case plan goals/court orders. Furthermore, mother is committed to maintaining the family together. The main reason I am requesting this need to be fulfilled is to provide a safe environment for the children, DCFS is requesting bunk bed set, queen size bed with mattress, black microwave, and 2 dressers for kid’s room. This need is being requested through Care Portal because the timeframe DCFS takes would be too long as some requests take up to 8— 10 weeks. The estimated cost of the need/s being requested is approximately $1560.

This request is being made on behalf of a single mother who is scheduled to receive a Home of Parent order for her youngest child, who is 1 year old, on Friday, July 11, 2025. Additionally, her 388 request was granted, allowing her to receive more Family Reunification Services to help her reunite with her three older children.

The mother has been without a phone for some time, and we hope to obtain your support in helping her get a new one, either through her current mobile network or by providing a prepaid phone with some service included. She attempted to apply for an Obama phone (California Lifeline) but was informed that she cannot receive one because someone else has one registered in her name.

Since the mother has been granted reunification services for her older children, the court expects her to participate in and attend their medical, educational, and regional center appointments. Obtaining a phone is crucial, as it will help her keep track of these appointments and communicate with service providers. Without a phone, she risks issues being reported regarding her ability to keep up with appointments. Please consider assisting with this urgent need.

The children are residing with a family member to assist mother her case plan goals. The caregiver needs beds to facilitate a safe and appropriate sleeping quarters for the three children. The items that are needed are one set of bunk beds, two twin mattress, and two twin comforter sets. Also, a toddler bedframe, toddler bed, and toddler comforter. All three children are female. Relative caregiver is on a limited source of income helping the family was unexpected and did not allow her time to prepare for the children arrival. Although, relative caregiver is having that challenge, caregiver is meeting the case plan goals/court orders. Furthermore, caregiver is committed to providing the three younger children with housing until mother can secure housing while the shelter, she is residing in does not have room to accommodate all seven children which is why the younger three are placed temporarily with family. The main reason I am requesting this need to be fulfilled is because the children need proper bedding to facilitate a safe sleeping environment. If this need is not meet for the younger three children, they risk the possibility of being taken back into DCFS custody and reunification services begin again. This need is being requested through Care Portal because unfortunately DCFS will not provide the items in a timely manner and possibly take up to 8 – 10 weeks. The estimated cost of the need/s being requested is $1,185.00 dollars.

I am reaching out to request assistance for a family in need of two beds. The absence of proper sleeping arrangements is preventing the children from enjoying sleepovers at their mother's residence. This lack of beds is the sole barrier to family reunification during these visits. Therefore, I am seeking support to facilitate the provision of beds, enabling the children to spend quality time with their mother. Thank you In advance.

A young professional stepped up to care for her niece after the child was removed from an unsafe home. While she's doing everything she can to provide stability and love, the unexpected responsibility has brought financial strain. She is asking for a bed frame, mattress, bedding, and dresser so her niece can have a warm, welcoming space of her own. With this support, her niece can begin to feel safe, at home, and truly cared for during this difficult transition.

I’m currently working with a young mother of two who has been doing an admirable job saving money in preparation for a move. She’s turning 21 soon and is focused on finding a home within her budget. Unfortunately, due to ongoing health challenges, she’s limited in the number of hours she can work.

There have also been delays in receiving support funds from DCFS, which has made it difficult for her to purchase clothing for her growing children. A gift card to Target or Burlington would be extremely helpful in meeting this immediate need. With this support, she would be able to continue focusing on her long-term savings goals.

The referred family is requesting assistance obtaining a bunk bed, full size bed, and two pack and plays for their five children. The single low income mother of five children and pregnant with her sixth child needs twin size bunk beds (frame and mattresses), a full-size bed and two pack and plays. The family share a one-bedroom apartment with another family and do not have proper furniture for sleeping. Mother currently sleeps on a non-pull-out sofa with her five-year-old and the two smaller children share a playpen to sleep. Older two children are not currently residing with mother however come over to visit and sleep over occasionally. The family would appreciate any help and want to explore all the options to make their children as comfortable as possible at home.

I am requesting assistance for a 42 year old father who has 4 dependents, although they don't live together at the moment, they depend on him monetarily; 2 children ages 15 and 16. The father's 65 year old mother depends on him for her medications. The father's 19 year old son, who is having difficulty finding employment due to his disability - lost his right arm at the age of 14. The father lost his construction work tools in the California wildfires and is seeking assistance in replacing them, the cost is quite high, but he will be grateful for any assistance, he stated that he would just like to be able to get back to work, to be able to sustain his family. We are trying to assist the father to purchase much needed tools to be able to work and keep supporting his family.