When the Eaton Fire—a declared National Disaster—ripped through Altadena, CA on January 7th, 2025, burning down 11,000 homes, Korinna’s initially seemed to have been spared. But when they were able to re-enter their home, she instantly became nauseated, even with an N95 mask. The chemicals left her with a headache and nausea that lasted for days.

For the past 18 months, she and her 5-year-old son have been displaced, facing constant uncertainty about where they will live, and enduring an exhausting insurance battle that remains unresolved.

Insurance Nightmares

The insurance company maintains a position that conflicts with the findings of a Certified Industrial Hygienist that calls for a full “down-to-the-studs” remediation. Even the Public Adjuster retained in May 2025 was unable to make meaningful progress with the insurer. As a result, they are now in the process of retaining legal counsel to continue advocating for a safe and truly habitable outcome, but this will likely result in another 2 years of uncertainty and battle.

Many of the homes in the area that are still standing have not qualified for meaningful assistance because initial inspections were largely based on visual assessments. As a result, properties like Korinna’s—despite confirmed contamination through scientific testing—were categorized as unaffected.

The Financial Destruction

In addition to paying out of pocket for an expensive Certified Industrial Hygienist, Korinna has paid to replace her contaminated car, her insurance deductible, and for the replacement of essential personal items.

As the months went on, the Additional Living Expense (ALE) payments from her insurance company – which were helping cover temporary housing – were repeatedly threatened to be cut off and extended only for short periods of time. Korinna never knew from one month to the next whether the next month’s housing would be covered, all while she continued paying the mortgage and high property taxes on a home she and her son could not safely live in.

“The uncertainty was relentless. Even on Christmas morning, I received another letter from the insurance company cutting off continued housing coverage. There was never a moment when I could simply exhale and feel that my son and I had stable ground beneath us.” 

Of course, dealing with the aftermath of this disaster has felt like an additional full-time job, on top of being a single parent and a sole provider.

Help from the KW Family

The one consistent source of support during this time has been Korinna’s TL, who has been a steady and compassionate presence throughout this experience.

My team leader encouraged me to apply for the KW Cares Hardship Grant. I honestly thought it would be like all the other grants I had spent days and weeks applying for, only to fall through the cracks and receive no help at all. But he encouraged me to try anyway. 

When the grant was approved last week, I felt wrapped in relief and deep gratitude. I had felt very, very alone going through this declared national disaster. But the family that kept me going – the family that came through with hands-on support and real help – was my KW family. 

Korinna continues to battle with her insurance company and has taken steps toward legal proceedings. She decided to purchase a small one-bed/one-bath home so she and her son can have stability during this time, and after things are settled, she can either sell it or use it as an income property. We wish her the very best in her fight.

How You Can Help

Natural disasters cause destruction that affects lives for years, long after the news vans have packed up their cameras and left town. But we’re still here. And we’re waiting for your call.

If you know a KW associate like Korinna, please make sure they know about us. We want to help, and they can apply online at kwcares.org/grants. If Korinna’s story has inspired you, consider making a gift at donate.kwcares.org or by giving through Command.

I have to admit, I never paid much attention to the KW Cares contributions during an escrow. That will never happen again. Now that I know what kind of difference KW Cares makes – and what wonderful people are behind this organization – I will proudly contribute from here on, knowing it will help someone else feel held, supported, and cared for when they need it most.