MIZZOU Impact

Caregiver recently moved and is in the process of getting RFA approved. The two children currently reside with caregiver. The younger child is in need of a bed. The older child is in need of a desk and chair in preparation of the upcoming school year.

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.

The family came to the attention of the department due to the fathers physical abuse towards the mother and vandalism of the mothers property. Filling this request will prevent unnecessary removal of the children from their mother as mother recently secured housing for herself and the children but struggles financially to buy basic household items. By the family having access to pots, pans and microwave, the mother can prepare the children’s food properly ensuring the family’s safety.

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.

Mother needs a new forward facing booster seat with a harness for a 7 year old child. The child is in need of a booster seat seat with a harness as he has a disability and he often pulls at his seat belt making it unsafe when needing to travel from one place to another. The family came to the attention of the Department due to Domestic Violence concerns. Mother has been struggling financially and is now a single mom working day in and day out to ensure she is able to provide a safe and loving home environment for her two children. Mother is receiving assistance as her older child needs consistent care and supervision. However, she is struggling to come up with the funds to cover the cost for the car seat. Mother is committed to maintaining her family together. The main reason I am requesting this need to be fulfilled is because mother is doing the best she can to provide a safe environment for the children and the forward facing booster seat with a harness will assist in ensuring child safety. If the need is not met, the child could be severely hurt during day to day transportation. This need is being requested through Care Portal because unfortunately DCFS does not provide this item. The estimated cost of the need/s being requested about $230.

A Cousin who is currently a Foster Parent is a caregiver for a 4-month-old baby, 3- and 4-year-old siblings needs help with paying her Department of Water and Power utility bill. The caregiver is a single woman doing her best to provide for a 4-month-old baby, 3- and 4-year-old siblings. She has been caring for this baby and 2 siblings since April of this year and has fallen behind on this utility bill, if this is not paid the Department of Water and Power will turn off services and the children will possibly lose her stable home that they have had for the last four months. The caregiver is in desperate need of assistance with paying her utility bill to keep providing a stable, loving and safe home for the 4-month-old baby, 3- and 4-year-old siblings. When this need is met the caregiver will be grateful for this assistance and the baby and siblings will not be in jeopardy of being taken out of the current home, they have been living in for the past 4 months, the 4-month-old baby, 3- and 4-year-old siblings will stay in the safe, loving environment with thier caregiver.

A mother with two young children in foster-care is actively leaving a domestic violence situation today. This mother left the home with nothing but the clothes on her back. Please consider donating a gift card for Walmart to this mother. She needs clothing items, hygiene items and other necessary items. This is an critical need.

This mother is in need of essential supplies for her newborn, with a particular urgency for a car seat and a pack n play. Efforts are being made to obtain these items through various resources such as Charlie’s House and Samuel Rogers, though success has yet to be achieved. While she speaks Sudanese Arabic, she faces challenges in reading both Arabic and English, making communication a challenge. However, she is aware that there are compassionate individuals working to assist her in acquiring these necessary items. Currently, she and her baby are still in the hospital, with a discharge anticipated for tomorrow. Let’s come together to support her in this critical time.

Current Emergency Response Social Worker met with the family and found mother and child recently arrived to the US and began living with strangers who took them in off the streets. The environment with this new family was not helpful for child’s fragile mental health, as she was already experienced sexual abuse and physical abuse and witnessed severe domestic violence between mother and father. Over the course of the week, mother was able to rent a new room in LA 90001 to help alleviate some stress and anxiety for her child. The purpose of this urgent request is to assist mother in furnishing her new room as she does not have adequate items for herself or her child. Mother can benefit from (1) twin bed for child, (1) small or slim refrigerator for food storage, (1) 4-5 drawer dresser, (1) single burner stove with small propane tanks, (1) microwave, (1) small table, (2) chairs for sitting, (1) gift card for food, (1) gift card for Walmart/Target for toiletries, utensils, and other needed items for day to day living.