When Maria Luz Vargas stands on the front lawn of her Altadena home, the destruction she sees around her is unimaginable. The Eaton Fire spared her home, but nearby debris covers the land where her neighbors’ homes once stood. 

“We’re going to put in effort and move forward,” says Maria, who is no stranger to disaster. 

Seventeen years ago her family experienced a house fire. At the time, she felt overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do. The American Red Cross provided basic care and comfort as well as financial assistance. The help started her family on a path to recovery in their own way.  

“I want to say thank you to the Red Cross. In 2008, a part of our house burned, and we had Red Cross support.” Now, Maria knows that people can apply for cash relief that’s available to those affected by the LA-area fires. 

Maria wants others to know that they’re not alone as they begin to rebuild their lives. She and her family understand what it’s like to survive a disaster. “When this happened to my children, they were so young. Now, we have two experiences.”  

Still, Maria says she’s thankful to be alive and to have a home to return to when it’s safe to do so. 

The Red Cross is providing financial assistance to people who live within the LA fire perimeters as defined by California Office of Emergency Services. To learn more, please visit redcross.org/gethelp.