Magnolia 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.

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 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.

Currently working with a single father who is in urgent need of financial assistance. He has been struggling since being laid off from his job and has been doing everything he can to make ends meet, but it’s been incredibly difficult. The stress of unemployment, his car recently broke down, which he had to repair in order to continue being able to pick up his two daughters from school and summer activities. Now, he’s falling behind on rent—he’s three months behind and can only pay partial amounts each month, just enough to avoid a 3-day eviction notice from his landlord. This situation is taking a heavy toll on him, and he is doing his best to stay afloat. He is in dire need of either a gas card to help with transportation or assistance with his overdue rent amounts. Any support, no matter how small, would make a significant difference in helping him and his children during this incredibly challenging time.

devoted single dad to his 5-year-old son, who is nonverbal and diagnosed with autism. For some time, they experienced homelessness and were living in hotels. Despite the challenges, he has worked tirelessly to create a better life for his son—and recently, he was blessed to secure permanent housing. Due to the high cost of living, he is struggling to afford basic household items for his family. These items would create a safe and comfortable home for his young son. These may seem like small things, but they will help this dad start strong on giving his son a new life. Here are the items needed:

Blanket for twin size bed and queen size bed and pillows

4 Towels and a bathmat

Cookware (pots, pans)

Dinnerware (plates, bowls, cups)

Silverware and basic cooking utensils

We are coming alongside a young couple who are about to welcome their first baby. She is 17 years old and just graduated high school, and he is 16 and currently finishing his senior year at a high school in Santa Ana. Becoming new parents at such a young age comes with many challenges especially when it’s difficult to find steady employment at their age.

As they prepare for the arrival of their newborn, one of the most helpful ways we can support them is by helping with baby essentials. They are in need of clothing for their newborn, and a Target gift card would allow them to get diapers, wipes, and other important items. Groceries would also be a huge blessing as they begin adjusting to life as a young family.

This is a time of transition, full of unknowns, but also full of love and hope. We want to make sure they feel supported and seen as they take this big step into parenthood. We are so grateful for any support that helps lighten the load for them.

Mother needs a table with four chairs a sofa that seats two. Mother has been going through financial struggles after loosing her job and being evicted from the family’s previous home. She continues to actively look for work but has not been successful. The family continues to go through the ups and downs of the flare ups and emotional fluctuation of processing abuse. Mother has continued to actively support the child, and with her support, the child who has a known language delay has been able to process and learn to express herself more using her expanding vocabulary. Mother ensures that both her son and daughter attend all Wraparound services. The family was left homeless after mother could no longer work to care for the children as she was unable to leave the home where the abuse occurred. The family ended up being evicted and later spent months awaiting their turn for a shelter. Mother was unable to keep any of her hard earned belongings and now that she was able to find a new home she is need of the noted items to finish furnishing their new home. DCFS is requesting a table and a sofa, in order for the family to be able to have these essential items in their home. This need is critical to ensuring that the family is able to bond and feel comfortable in the home. The estimated cost of the needs being requested is an estimated amount of $400 for a sofa or love seat and $350 for a dining table that seats four. For an estimated total of $750.00.

I'm reaching out on behalf of a resilient young man currently navigating life as a Non-Minor Dependent (NMD), working hard to build a future for himself in the trades. Despite limited resources, he shows up every day, borrowing tools from co-workers just to get the job done. This dependence, though met with kindness, leaves him vulnerable and often unable to work independently. With a basic set of tools of his own, he would gain not only the ability to fully perform his duties but also a sense of pride, stability, and ownership in his growing career. Your support would not just provide equipment—it would empower a young man striving to stand on his own feet.

A 16-year-old foster youth was recently placed with his paternal grandmother after years of not knowing each other. Despite the sudden placement, the two are working hard to build a relationship and create a sense of stability.

The grandmother, who is on a fixed income and currently receiving no financial assistance, is doing her best to support him. The youth arrived with only a few items of clothing, most of which no longer fit. He is in need of a new wardrobe and would greatly appreciate gift cards to Tillys, PacSun, or Zumiez. Even donated clothes in good condition would help. His sizes are: XL for undergarments, shirts, and shorts, and 38x32 for pants.

In addition, the youth needs a full-size bed frame, mattress, bedding, pillows, and a dresser, as the home was not prepared for his arrival. Since the grandmother does not have transportation, a bike and bike lock would also make a meaningful difference, helping him get to school and connect with his new community.

This young man has faced multiple placement disruptions, and providing some of these essentials could help him find the stability and comfort he needs in this new chapter of life. Any support—whether new or gently used—would be deeply appreciated. Thank you for considering this request.