Direct Aid Effort Helps Altadena Families Navigate the Long Road to Rebuilding and Recovery

Faith-based organizations and nonprofit partners united to provide support, dignity, and
hope, helping residents reclaim their lives.

By Dr. Marie Y. Lemelle, MBA, PhD

Hundreds of Altadena residents impacted by the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires lined up
early—many before sunrise—seeking relief, stability, and reassurance that their community had
not been forgotten. By mid-morning, more than 300 people stood in line as volunteers moved
swiftly to provide support ranging from $1,000 rental-assistance vouchers to $500 gift cards,
offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

The event, titled Partnering to Aid Communities Impacted by the 2025 LA Wildfires, reflected a
coordinated response led by seasoned community advocates and organizations committed to
long-term recovery—not just immediate relief.

At the center of the effort was Pastor G. LaKeith Kenebrew and First Lady Jerice Kenebrew,
whose leadership continues to anchor the church as a trusted hub in times of crisis.
“Hillside Tabernacle City of Faith Church of God in Christ serves as the official West Coast
Disaster Recovery Hub for the Church of God in Christ, Inc., under the auspices of COGIC
Charities,” said G. LaKeith Kenebrew.

“It is an overwhelming joy to witness such profound work being accomplished on behalf of our community. As residents and community leaders, my wife, Jerice, and I labor intensively together to ensure that, despite our own losses, we continue to uplift those around us. I am grateful that the West Angeles Community Development Corporation has brought our community together and provided over $300,000 in financial support. We’re also thankful for the organizations and partners who have stepped forward—this kind of collective support is what makes recovery possible.”

“We exceeded our registration limit, but we are not turning anyone away,” said First Lady Jerice
Kenebrew. “Even as we rebuild, our doors are open, and we offer necessities to get people
through.”

Dr. Belinda Allen, Executive Director of the West Angeles Community Development
Corporation (WACDC), spearheaded the initiative alongside a coalition of nonprofits, arriving
with what many described as an army of volunteers. Trucks and vans pulled in carrying bags of
groceries and essential supplies, alongside stacks of gift cards distributed just in time for
Mother’s Day—bringing both practical relief and a sense of care to families still navigating loss.
A veteran in housing advocacy and a former Vice President of the Los Angeles Affordable
Housing Commission, Allen brought both urgency and compassion, shaped by decades of
service.

“We partnered with organizations that understand the ongoing needs of the Altadena
community,” Allen said. “We don’t know when families will be made whole, but we do know we
must stand with them until they are secure in their homes and have food on their tables.” That
commitment was visible across the church grounds.

Dr. Robert Sausedo, President and CEO of Community Build, based in Leimert Park, reinforced
that mission through direct action, helping to distribute large-scale household essentials,
including water heaters, mattresses, and footwear—critical items for families working to rebuild
their daily lives.

Patricia Watts, President and CEO of FCI Management, a comprehensive energy solutions company, donated the water heaters distributed through Community Build to support families in need.

“Access to basic necessities like hot water shouldn’t be a barrier for families trying to rebuild,”
said Patricia Watts, President and CEO of FCI Management. “We’re proud to support this effort
and stand alongside Community Build to help families move forward with dignity.”
“Our goal is to revitalize underserved communities through a variety of services,” said Dr. Sausedo.

Parked at the curb, the catering truck from Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen served hot meals throughout the morning, offering what many attendees described as food nourishing both body and spirit.

Additional support included Jan C. Perry, Director for Government Affairs in California for
CPLC, whose prior service as a Los Angeles City Councilmember representing Downtown Los
Angeles—home to a significant population alongside Skid Row—continues to inform her work
advancing access to essential services across the state. She was joined by Tomás E. Durán,
California Market President for Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc.

Durán said, “Our name reflects where we started over 50 years ago, but our work today is about
showing up for people, plain and simple. We’ve grown with the communities we serve, and our
focus is making sure anyone who needs help can access it.”

Together with Emily Gold, Program Manager for Shelter Partnership, they distributed hygiene
kits filled with soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and toys—items that meet
immediate needs while restoring dignity.

“I’m proud of our campaign in recognition of Menstrual Health Awareness Month this May,”
Perry said. “Shelter Partnership is working to collect and provide 40,000 period products to
individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty across Los Angeles County.”
The event also reflected a broader truth: recovery in Altadena is not happening in isolation.

For many in attendance, the event was not just about supplies. It was about dignity, connection,
and the reassurance that recovery is a shared responsibility. Eighteen months after the devastating fires reshaped Altadena, the road ahead remains long. Yet, on this day, the message was unmistakable: Los Angeles showed up for Altadena—its sister community—demonstrating that it takes the power of all communities working together to create a better future. From faith leaders to frontline nonprofits, from hot meals to housing support, Hillside Tabernacle City of Faith Church once again proved it serves as a home base for its community and beyond.

About the Author:
Los Angeles Native Dr. Marie Y. Lemelle, PhD is a humanitarian and community advocate. She leads the Beverly Hills Chapter of the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce. Reach her on IG @platinumstarpr.

Tags: Altadena, Hillside Tabernacle City of Faith Church, G. LaKeith Kenebrew, West Angeles Community Development Corporation, Dr. Marie Y. Lemelle, MBA, PhD, Dr. Belinda Allen, Jan C. Perry, Robert Sausedo, Community Build, Patricia Watts