A California man who worked tirelessly to help homeless people get back on their feet now finds himself trying to rebuild after the LA-area wildfires destroyed his home along with many of his most precious memories. Now he’s asking for help to preserve what he and his family worked so hard to build.
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Fire forced social workers Anthony Ruffin and his wife, Jonni Miller, out of their Altadena home on January 8, according to the LA Times. The couple, who had little time to collect their belongings, were forced to leave behind things with very special meaning, including handwritten letters from Miller’s grandmother as well as photos and thank-you notes from clients they’d previously helped.
In a YouTube video, Ruffin, who works with the LA County Department of Mental Health, described his work as helping homeless individuals who are disabled and/or mentally ill obtain and maintain permanent housing.
On a GoFundMe page Ruffin started to help him and his wife get back on their feet after their devastating loss. He says the two-bedroom, one-bathroom home has been in his family since his father purchased it in 1972. Ruffin was able to use his savings to buy the house from his father in 2000.
“I’m a social worker that works on Skid Row with the homeless population in LA County,” he wrote on the page. “We are seeking your help. I don’t want to lose the home that my parents worked so hard for.”
His plea has brought in over $90,000 from donors who want to help a couple who has dedicated their lives to helping others.
“Anthony and Jonni, You two have truly been walking the walk for decades helping folks on the street. In a just world this community would be re-building you a palace,” wrote one donor. “May the coming months bring healing from this awful loss, and help you create a new home to support the animals you love and the work we all know you won’t stop doing.”
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