And Now We Leave...
And just like that, it’s over.
Day Seven: One. Just One.
Today was, by all accounts, normal.
Day Six: Stories
Today was different. Overnight, the executive team transformed the entire event. The chaotic, frenzied environment of the day before had been replaced with a sense of order. Fences were set up to guide the crowds, heat lamps bathed the early morning lines in a warm glow, and food and water stations were strategically placed to prevent the desperation that had boiled over before. It was a remarkable feat of adaptive problem-solving—a testament to what happens when people listen, learn, and adjust.
Day Five: The Little Things
Today, our team continued our work with the Emotional and Spiritual Wellness group, greeting survivors, offering comfort, and listening to stories of loss and resilience. Normal. Expected. Then, we were called into action to address what we were told was an emergency down stairs that required our immediate response.
Day Four: Somber
Today, we stepped into a different role—helping on the Emotional and Spiritual Wellness team. It was a day of deep conversations, of listening, of witnessing both the best and worst of humanity. Those who lost everything poured out their grief, while those who escaped unscathed spoke of their guilt. We saw heartbreak and resilience in equal measure.
Day Three: Hope
Today marked our first day at the 2025 Wildfire Resource Hub, and what an extraordinary day it was. As the morning began, hundreds of people flowed through the hub—each bringing their story of survival, loss, and, above all, resilience. Our role in registration allowed us to connect with these individuals, offering not just assistance but also a listening ear and a moment of shared humanity.
Day Two: Reflection
Today was a day of profound reflection and preparation as The House of Munch team continued our journey in Southern California. We began the day touring a portion of the affected area alongside a firefighter who was on the ground during the fires. Their firsthand account painted a vivid picture of the bravery, heartbreak, and resilience that defined those harrowing moments.
Night One: Anticipation
This morning, as the first light of dawn stretched across Hidden Valley Lake, we embarked on a journey unlike any other. Today marks night one of our deployment to Southern California, where The House of Munch is proud and humbled to join the 2025 Wildfire Resource Hub. Our mission is clear: to provide emotional support services to those impacted by the devastating fires. Our hearts are full, and our purpose has never felt stronger.
Southern California Wildfires
We are thrilled to announce that The House of Munch Foundation will be participating in the 2025 Wildfire Resource Hub, taking place in Pasadena from January 27 through February 1. This critical event brings together organizations dedicated to supporting individuals, families, and volunteers affected by the recent devastating wildfires across Southern California.