Chicagoland Native’s Home Destroyed in California Wildfires
A Devastating Experience
Megan Katerjian, an Evanston native who grew up in Chicagoland, lost her home in Altadena, California, due to the recent wildfires. She evacuated with her two children on Tuesday and was forced to leave behind many precious memories and belongings.
The Evacuation and the Aftermath
Katerjian recalled the traumatic experience, saying, “As I was sitting in safety and went to sleep, and then woke up and texted my neighbors, and that’s when I found out that my house was gone.” She and her family were forced to flee with only the basic necessities and a few important items.
The Impact on the Community
The wildfires have had a devastating impact on the community, with 24 people killed and over 12,000 homes and buildings destroyed. The community is still reeling from the loss, and Katerjian’s own non-profit, Door of Hope, has been affected.
“My daughter’s Girl Scout troop, five out of 12 of the girls don’t have homes anymore. It’s, it’s decimated our community that much,” Katerjian said.
Evacuation Orders and Warnings
More than 160,000 people are currently under evacuation orders or warnings, and the situation is expected to worsen as winds continue to rise. LA Mayor Karen Bass has urged everyone to stay safe and listen to instructions.
A GoFundMe Fundraiser
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up by Katerjian’s friends to help her and her family recover from the fires. The fundraiser aims to provide support and resources to those affected by the disaster.
A Personal Perspective
Katerjian’s experience is a personal reminder of the devastating impact of homelessness, an issue she has dedicated her life to addressing. “I’m homeless, right? I help unhoused families. Now I’m unhoused,” she said. “The homelessness crisis was already out of control in California, everyone across the country knows that. This is going to make it worse.”
Conclusion
The California wildfires have left a trail of destruction and devastation, with thousands of people forced to evacuate and many more left without homes. Katerjian’s story serves as a reminder of the human cost of natural disasters and the importance of supporting those affected.
FAQs
* How many people have been killed in the California wildfires?
+ 24 people have been killed in the California wildfires.
* How many homes and buildings have been destroyed?
+ Over 12,000 homes and buildings have been destroyed.
* What is the current number of people under evacuation orders or warnings?
+ More than 160,000 people are currently under evacuation orders or warnings.
* What is the GoFundMe fundraiser aiming to do?
+ The GoFundMe fundraiser aims to provide support and resources to Katerjian and her family as they recover from the fires.
