When wildfires swept through Altadena, California, on January 8, Anthony Ruffin and his wife, Jonni Miller, were forced to flee their family home of over 50 years. The couple, known for their tireless work with LA’s homeless population, lost nearly everything, including irreplaceable mementos like handwritten letters and cherished photographs. Now, Ruffin is turning to the community for help to reclaim what the flames destroyed.
Ruffin, a social worker with the LA County Department of Mental Health, has dedicated his career to helping those on Skid Row secure housing and rebuild their lives. His work focuses on individuals who are disabled or mentally ill, ensuring they find stability and permanent shelter. “We are seeking your help,” he wrote on a GoFundMe page set up in the wake of the fire. “I don’t want to lose the home that my parents worked so hard for.”
The house, a modest two-bedroom, one-bathroom property, has deep familial roots. Ruffin’s father purchased it in 1972, and Ruffin himself became its owner in 2000, using his savings to buy it from his parents. The fire has left him and Miller grappling with the loss of their sanctuary, as well as countless tokens of gratitude from clients they’ve supported over the years.
The GoFundMe campaign has resonated with donors, raising over $90,000 so far. Contributors have praised Ruffin and Miller’s unwavering commitment to helping others, calling their plight a sobering reminder of the fragility of even the most selfless lives. “In a just world, this community would be rebuilding you a palace,” one donor wrote, expressing admiration for their dedication and resilience.
For Ruffin and Miller, the journey to rebuild is deeply personal, tied to decades of family history and their shared mission of service. While their work continues to uplift others, they now face the challenge of restoring their own foundation. Their story highlights the intersection of compassion and vulnerability, and the enduring strength of community in times of crisis.
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