The community rallied to support trans and nonbinary recovery homes after the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.Photo courtesy of Bill Tarkanian Three L.A. CADA homes were directly affected: Start House suffered significant structural damage, Serenity House narrowly avoided destruction, and the Art House, home to 32 residents, was completely destroyed. The rapid evacuation of residents, which involved three separate evacuations under eight minutes, saw 65-70 people moved to safety in under an hour. To honor the survivors’ stories, Keen Social, providing pro-bono video production services, has created a powerful video highlighting the experiences of individuals who faced this tragedy head-on: Paul R., a former meth and alcohol user, shares his personal journey of addiction and recovery and recounts witnessing the evacuation from The Art House firsthand. Darlene D., a former patient turned staff member, speaks about helping others reach safety during the fire. Gigi C., a transgender community member and former resident of The Art House, discusses the additional challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in recovery during such crises. These stories shed light on the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals who are also navigating recovery, homelessness, or reentry after incarceration. The destruction of The Art House not only erased a physical building but also disrupted one of the few safe spaces that catered specifically to the needs of these vulnerable communities. William Tarkanian, L.A. CADA’s Chief Strategy Officer and Director of LGBTQ+ Services, explains that the facility provided essential support for people with few other options. "Many of these individuals, including sex workers and others without family support, found solace and love in our spaces," Tarkanian said.
Photo courtesy of Bill Tarkanian
Keen Social's Role
As an LGBTQ+ owned business, Keen Social felt a deep connection to this cause. The agency offered video production services free of charge, aiming to amplify the voices of marginalized individuals whose stories are often underrepresented.
“Some people displaced by the wildfires were in recovery, others had just gotten clean, and some were working to rebuild their lives. The fires took away what little they had left. We felt it was important to share their stories,” said Esteven Gamez, CEO and Co-Founder of Keen Social.
While the video is crucial in raising awareness, Keen Social and L.A. CADA are planning a community event to gather donations of essential items such as furniture, clothing, and hygiene supplies to help rebuild what was lost.
View Video Here: https://vimeo.com/1072911296
How You Can Help
While donations of clothing and hygiene products have been generous, financial contributions are critically needed to assist L.A. CADA in rebuilding efforts. The most pressing needs include:
- Beds and Mattresses
- Kitchen Equipment for daily meals
- Furniture & Appliances, including refrigerators, tables, chairs, and air-conditioning units
- Security Systems & Technology like CCTV, access controls, and computers
- Local and Personal Impact: The destruction of The Art House was a devastating blow to the recovery community, particularly among LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Communities already at risk are now grappling with trauma, addiction recovery, and homelessness.
- Safe Spaces for Healing: The Art House was one of the few facilities offering a supportive and affirming environment for transgender and nonbinary people in recovery, underscoring the need for rebuilding inclusive spaces.
- Intersectional Vulnerabilities: Many residents were formerly incarcerated or unhoused, and their recovery journeys are often more complicated by systemic challenges. L.A. CADA’s facilities provided more than just shelter—they were a crucial part of their path to stability.
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- Facebook: @KeenSocialAgency / @losangelescentersforalcoholanddrugabuse