Community support makes a difference: stories of resilience and gratitude in times of crisis

The devastating wildfires that swept through Southern California in January 2025 left a trail of destruction, deeply impacting the Front Porch family. As it spread, Front Porch employees and their families escaped Altadena and northern Pasadena overnight, through crowded streets filled with tree debris and downed power lines toppled by 70+ miles per hour winds. One team member shared, “My daughters and I evacuated before midnight and the power was out, so I had to leave my car in the garage. My husband checked on the house when he got off work at 1 a.m. Everything was fine. By 7 a.m. when he checked again, everything was gone — our home, our neighborhood— all gone. We learned it all burned within three hours.”

Those who didn’t receive warning escaped flames coming toward them, with burning embers flying sideways in the wind. “I woke up in the middle of the night to the smell of smoke. It was so cold and windy, I thought my neighbor had lit a fire in his fireplace,” said another team member. “When I got up and looked around, I saw flames everywhere. I ran to my truck to escape. I wore my slippers because I didn’t have time to change my shoes. There is nothing left.”

The impact on our dedicated team members was profound. In total, 17 lost their homes, and many others endured prolonged evacuations.

Front Porch sprang into immediate action, providing wide-ranging support to residents and team members in need. This included:

• Prepared meals delivered to Villa Gardens to alleviate staffing pressures.

• Hotel accommodations for those displaced from their homes.

• Paid time off for team members to begin the arduous task of recovery.

• Information resources and support to navigate the complex challenges.

• A caring, responsive community of team members and residents.

The Front Porch Communities Foundation, through its HEART Fund (Helping Employees At Risk Today), became a lifeline for those affected. This vital fund, designed to assist employees facing unanticipated financial hardship, provided:

• Immediate cash grants to team members, many of whom fled with only the clothes on their backs.

• Fulfilled wish lists for essential items such as clothing, hygiene products, food and supplies.

• A second round of grants for those who lost their homes, helping to bridge gaps left by disaster response and insurance funds.

The outpouring of support has been truly remarkable. To date, over $300,000 has been raised for the HEART Fund, a testament to the generosity of residents, business partners and Front Porch team members across all communities. These donations, often accompanied by heartfelt messages of concern, have made a tangible difference in the lives of those affected.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your generous financial support,” shared one employee who returned home to unexpected water damage. “Your assistance has made a significant difference in helping me manage these unexpected repair costs during this difficult time. I deeply appreciate Front Porch’s commitment to supporting its employees during challenging times. This kind of support demonstrates why Front Porch is such a wonderful organization to work for.”

A resident of St. Paul’s Towers echoed this sentiment, saying, “When I first heard about the fires, the first thing that came to my mind, of course, was: ‘What happened to my friends in LA?’. . .These are my sister communities. I consider St. Paul’s as my home, very possibly for the rest of my life. . .Those employees affected by fires are just like those who work for SPT. So, I decided to donate to the HEART Fund. At least this is what I can do now.”

The HEART Fund is not solely for natural disasters. It is a long-standing resource that provides assistance during various emergencies, such as funeral costs or unexpected car repairs. It provides a sense of security and belonging, reminding individuals that they are not alone.

“Knowing that others care makes all the difference in the world. It gives me the strength to keep moving forward,” shared another recipient.

Generosity, especially towards the HEART Fund, is about more than financial contributions. It’s about extending a hand, offering hope, and strengthening our community. These stories of resilience and gratitude, particularly amidst the devastation of the fires, highlight the true power of community.

Originally published in the Spring 2025 edition of Community Matters