‘It still hurts’: Altadena families discuss losing homes in Eaton Fire

The Eaton Fire has ravaged Altadena, including a historically Black neighborhood of homeowners and businesses.

Among those who lost their homes are Cheryl Conley, Bobby Thompson and Jeanie Thompson, who came to the KTLA studios on Monday to discuss the fire’s impact on them and their neighborhood.

“It still hurts,” Bobby Thompson said. “We worked so hard to get what we had, and in a day, hours, it’s gone. I’m hurting, really hurting.”

Thus far, they’ve been getting by with the help of loved ones.

“Our family and friends have blessed us tremendously,” Jeanie Thompson said.

The three said after the destruction, all they own is what they’re wearing, and Conley “ran out with my pajamas on and my house slippers.”

Despite the devastation, so many people have stepped up to help, and at this point, Conley and the Thompsons are most in need of cash and gift cards, they said.

“You have to remember, we don’t need things. We need things to help us go forward, which is money and gift cards. We don’t have anyplace to put things,” Jeanie noted.

To donate to Conley, visit this GoFundMe page. To donate to the Thompsons, visit supportnow.org.