Altadena family who lost home in Eaton Fire looking for housing after dad diagnosed with kidney failure
Eaton Fire victims struggle to bounce back, find new housing
Alfonso Soriano and his family lost their Altadena home just weeks after Alfonso was diagnosed with kidney failure. The family's living in a hotel now, and are struggling to find a new place to live.
LOS ANGELES - Weeks before Alfonso Soriano's mother's house was destroyed by the Eaton Fire, he was diagnosed with kidney failure.
In the days immediately after the fire, his extended family was able to keep a roof over his head, but for weeks now, Alfonso, his wife and two children have been living in a hotel, while Alfonso continues to struggle with his health.
When asked if he was okay, he said "healthwise, no. But we're here. We're all in this together. That's all that matters."
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Alfonso's family is just one of the thousands who lost their homes in the Eaton Fire in Altadena and Pasadena.
Nothing in their home was salvageable, Alfonso told FOX 11, including his wedding ring. When FOX 11 met with Alfonso and his son on Wednesday, all the clothes they were wearing had come from donation centers.
"It's been really stressful," said Alexander Soriano, Alfonso's son. "Mainly just stressing over my parents and their situation."
The Sorianos were able to secure temporary housing through "211 LA," a non-profit organization partnered with companies like Hilton and Airbnb. The family will stay in their hotel room for at least another week and a half, but after that they say their situation is up in the air.
Because of Alfonso's deteriorating health, his wife is handling most things now, including looking for a new place to live. She was out looking for apartments when FOX 11 met with Alfonso on Wednesday, and said she so far she hasn't been able to find any affordable apartments.
Alfonso told FOX 11 that Los Angeles County has agreed to pay any sort of down payment for a new apartment for his family, but the rent will not be covered. If they can't find an affordable place in the area, the family says they'll likely move to Barstow.
"We’re managing," Alfonso said. "What can you do? Life goes on."
The Soriano family has started a GoFundMe campaign to help with expenses while they search for a new home. Information about that fundraiser can be found by tapping or clicking here.