On January 25, the San Gabriel Valley Service Center became a place of comfort and support for families affected by the recent Los Angeles wildfire. Volunteers and local youth worked together to provide not only emergency relief but also a sense of hope and belonging for those who lost so much.

A Safe Space for Sharing and Healing

The day’s relief event was one of several organized by Tzu Chi USA, with 91 households receiving aid at the San Gabriel Valley location alone. By January 25, a total of 372 households had been supported, with over 404,900 USD in cash cards distributed. The goal, as described by Debra Boudreaux (曾慈慧), was to offer a safe space for survivors from the Altadena area to share their experiences and discuss their next steps.

A Family Home Lost Overnight

For many, the fire meant the loss of not just a house, but a lifetime of memories. Ms. Xie (alias) and her family, who had lived in their home for forty years, saw it reduced to ashes in a single night. “Our home was the place for every family gathering—baptisms, birthdays, weddings, memorials. It was 101 years old,” she recalled. “When the first spark flew overhead, we went to my son’s house in Pasadena. I thought we’d return, so we only took the basics. But we lost everything.”

At the relief site, Ms. Xie was moved to tears by the care she received. “Everything here is so organized and caring. I received a cash card, some noodles, tissues, a blanket, a good book, and my favorite—a bamboo coin bank. I’ll fill it up and bring it back,” she said, expressing her gratitude to the volunteers.

Irreplaceable Memories and Community Ties

For Caroline (alias), a Grammy-winning artist and longtime Altadena resident, the fire destroyed not only her home but also her professional legacy. “I lost my recording studio, my grand piano, and over sixty gold and platinum records. These are irreplaceable,” she shared. “I bought that house in 1977 to pass on to my grandchildren. This community means everything to me.”

Despite the loss, Caroline found comfort in the support she received.

“It’s not the end, because there are good people reaching out. Whether you have a lot or nothing, we’re all in the same boat, feeling the same pain. Thank you, Tzu Chi. No matter your faith, you’re praying to a higher power, and that’s what we need now.”

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Not everyone chose to leave during the fire. Tony (alias) stayed behind to help his neighbors, especially the elderly. “My house was partially burned, but I spent two weeks caring for others until the lockdown ended. We worked together to save as many homes as we could,” he said. “When my neighbors returned, they thanked me for helping protect our community.”

Meeting the volunteers was a surprise for Tony. “I didn’t expect so much—blessings, care, and emotional support. I hope one day I can give back.”

A group of bilingual youth volunteers also joined the relief efforts, offering comfort and practical help to families in need. For many survivors, the support they received went beyond material aid, providing much-needed encouragement and reassurance.

A Path Toward Recovery

Debra Boudreaux emphasized the importance of faith and human connection in recovery. “What matters most now is belief, or a simple, warm embrace—someone to hold their hand and guide them to a place of prayer and reflection. Even when survivors feel lost, faith can lead them to renewal and help them regain their rhythm of life.”

Tzu Chi volunteers in the US remain committed to standing by these survivors, offering both practical assistance and emotional support as they rebuild their lives.

Written by Jennifer Chien (錢美臻)