"A landslide in Fairfax damaged six apartments and displaced 19 residents Friday as the county continued to grapple with the effects of a drenching month.

The slide happened at a complex on Olema Road, sending mud and debris at the residences and in some spots breaking through walls, doors and windows, said Marin County Fire Department Chief Jason Weber. He reported no injuries.

Weber estimated the property damage would be “in the hundreds of thousands of dollars,” but that the geotechnical work to reinforce the hillside and remove debris would be even more expensive.

Weber said residents should keep their eyes open for any signs of ground movement, including shifts in trees or retaining walls, or brown water flowing out of retaining walls." - Marin IJ

Lemon Aide Project assited two families from this situation thus far. Their homes were deemed a total loss. The red tag meant they lost almost EVERYTHING. 

Star was in need of a dress and heals for an upcoming school dance. She had expected to miss the event due to the recent hardship. An angel donor by the name of Kaila Mershon stepped in immediately! The day after a request for help was made Star was gifted her dream dress and heals. A job well done. Thank you, Kaila Mershon!

Diana Rich, a member of the Sebastopol City Council, was on the scene the next day, taking names, asking survivors what they needed. She alerted Shannon Parkhurst, founder of the Lemon Aide Project, a Santa Rosa-based nonprofit that quickly provided assistance to the woman whose house was destroyed, among others.

Among the woman’s immediate needs: spectacles. She’d fled her home without her glasses.

“She is getting two brand new pairs this very second,” Parkhurst wrote in an email Tuesday, “thanks to a donor who came our way asking how they could help.”

The Lemon Aide Project is searching for housing for some displaced survivors, including John Andersen and his young daughter.

"FAIRFAX -- A mudslide slammed into multiple apartment buildings in Fairfax Friday morning, leading to at least one building being red-tagged and the displacement of more than a dozen people.

The Marin County Sheriff's Office said the slide happened just before 10 a.m. Friday on the 300 block of Olema Road in Fairfax. The slide penetrated at least two apartments of one building and impacted two others." -CBS 

2022

Well around 12 at night I had just got out of the shower after work and exercising and everyone else was sleeping. We were all barefoot in shorts and boxers. When I walked out of the bathroom I heard screaming and then banging on the door and what sounded like someone was trying to get in and it woke my mom up so we ran downstairs to check it out. From the stairs we could see the fire glowing and when we looked outside our front door, the front of the neighbors house was just completely engulfed in fire we could feel the heat from our door. We ran back upstairs yelling fire to wake up our family. Before I could get to the top of the stairs, My oldest brother Vintz woke up and ran down stairs with my mom while I went to wake up my other brother Keith. My mom grabbed the fire extinguisher and gave it to Vintz. At that point she realized the fire couldn’t be put out and ran back upstairs to grab my nephew and carried two of our dogs out to the car while I grabbed my phone to call 911. At this moment Vintz used the whole fire extinguisher but it did nothing it even put a dent in the fire so he went to grab the hose but it wasn’t screwed into the nossel so he went to the back to grab the hose. At the same time I woke up Keith and he jumped out of bed confused, he ran downstairs to find the fire. His dog got really scared and ran to the corner of his room and I tried to grab her but she wasn’t budging so I ran downstairs to get Keith and he ran back upstairs to grab her and he brought her outside to the deck to me and my mom. Keith’s dog is overweight and was so scared to move that my mom had to carry her to our car too. Keith ran back upstairs and the fire broke our hallway window and spread onto boxes we had stored there because we had just moved in a month and two weeks prior. Keith tried to pat the fire out on the boxes with his hands but when it wasn’t working he ran back downstairs to grab the other fire extinguisher. When that fire extinguisher went out he grabbed his wallet and his phone from his room and shut his door and went downstairs. While he was doing all this Vintz was trying to connect the hose and turn the water on but the water wasn’t working so he realized he better save as much as he could. He ran into the house and saw fire outside the back door so he went to the back and started chucking a bunch of stuff over the fence into the other neighbors field as the fire was burning on wood above his head. Once he was getting burned from the heat he stopped saving stuff from that area and ran to the deck where I was and i asked him if he got the snake yet so he grabbed a random box with a lid that had stuff in it and dumped it out right there and quickly put his boa snake into the bucket and ran it out to my mom. My mom took the snake to the car and ran back and at this moment all of us had met together on the deck by the sliding door and were about to start walking away from the fire,but I realized the money was still in my room. My brothers were planning on buying a trailer that morning at 4am so everyone went to the bank hours before the fire to pull out money. We had at least $11,500 sitting in my room so my mom started running back inside for it, but my brother stopped her and told her he would get it so both my brothers ran back inside to grab it. The smoke was thick and black all the way to the bottom on the stairs. Vintz sprinted upstairs and couldn’t see the money, the smoke was too thick so he ran back downstairs for oxygen while Keith ran upstairs to try, but he couldn’t grab it either. They ran upstairs attempting to grab the money and ran back down to get oxygen a few times but couldn’t find the money with all the smoke and heat. At one point Vintz tried to crawl to my desk with the money on it but felt like he wouldn’t be able to find his way back out so he found the door ledge with his foot and slid down the stairs on his stomach while Keith ran back up. At this time I was talking with the 912 dispatcher and my mom was moving the car back with my nephew and all the pets inside. One of the first firefighters to get there asked my mom if everyone was out and she said the two boys ran back in to grab the money and then she actually realized my brothers were inside the house with the fire so she started to run back for them but the firefighter stopped her. At this time my brother Vintz came out of the house and the firefighter went closer to look for Keith and found him on the back deck with his flashlight on looking for his dog because he didn’t know my mom got her to the car. This all happened within 5 minutes when the fire department arrived. When we all finally reunited back towards the car we saw everyone else crying, screaming and pacing in fear. Our neighbors were a family of four with a roommate. They lost their cat as well as their fishes and ours. We sat in the car completely shocked and I called my sister to tell her what happened because luckily her and her son were staying at another house that night. We sat outside freezing cold with sore feet from running around barefoot. Keith actually even stepped on a nail and had burns on his arm from embers landing on him. No one had shoes, a jacket, or even pants. We had nothing left with us but what was in our cars. We watched the firefighter run into the house to save as much as they could. They were amazing. They didn’t have any access to water at our house so they had to fill an engine with water from a nearby source so they could put the fire out. They stayed all night and morning to make sure the house didn’t relight. They knew there was a lot of money in the house and actually looked for it and found some charred money and gave it to us.

 I've lived in Greenville alot of my life, I was there when the fire came down the mountain and I'm here after everyone has gone. I was at the Susanville college for 3 weeks during evacuation I'm using the grant that I got from the Lemon Aide Project to help go twards my new house and other things I may need on the way to rebuilding my life.

2022

My son and I just lost EVERYTHING in the Dixie fire. 

I'm at the end of my rope and I'm certain many are. Why do bad things happen to good people. My belief is to bring the good ones together. I feel like a dandelion seed blowing in the wind. I am forever thankful for the help given by Lemon Aide Project, it felt like winning the lottery when they came to save us. 

Honestly, I wouldn't be needing to ask for any help but since the horrific wildfire in California in August, and a 28 day mandatory evacuation order our whole life has changed in a blink of an eye.  We have just found a rental in new location and are still trying to adjust to our hometown being gone. 

DIXIE FIRE - 2021

I'm so very grateful to this organization, my children and I have been through so much. They kept their word and came through so quickly. Please keep donating and helping families like mine! Trying to survive after a fire and losing everything you have is not something anyone should ever have to go through. The Lemon Aide foundation gives 100% to the families 👪

"I was the campground host at Bridal Veil Picnic Area and Group Campground within the Eldorado National Forest. On Sunday, August 15, 2021, one of the guests informed me there was a fire not too far from where we were. I grew up in Northern California and seen many a fire, so I wasn't too worried but I kept an eye on Twitter and listened to the scanner app to make sure it didn't get much closer than the 12 miles it started out at. Monday night I looked over the topography maps, the weather forecast, and Googled the average rate that fire travels. When I saw that fires can travel 6 mph in forests and the fire was only 8 miles from me and traveling my direction, I decided to evacuate. I was fortunate that I was staying in an RV and started packing up my boxes from the onsite storage shed. I ended up parking near a BBQ place in Placerville around 4 am. 

The day I evacuated I found out the forest had been closed and my job was over. I'd expected the job to go another month and hadn't made plans for my next move. I found a good Samaritan offering their land and electric not too far from Placerville. I stayed there about a week until a veteran's organization connected me with a room to rent in Sacramento. The landlord did not disclose to me a pest problem, so after being there about a week I found a farm to move onto in Shingle Springs in exchange for work. Because of the pest issue, I wasn't able to work my regular job at DoorDash until I made sure my car was pest free. I had also been counting on the campground job to pay off my storage unit and get new brakes. At this point I had zero income. I applied for unemployment but never heard anything, and because I lost my ID I couldn't pick up the Caldor Relief Funds. 

I hadn't really gotten a good night's sleep since I left Placerville weeks before. I couldn't sleep in the RV because of pests and I didn't have a sleeping mat or cushion for the tent a church gave me, or my car. I was half delirious from the sleep deprivation, stress, trauma, constant moving, financial strain, and intense pain from spinal stenosis. I joined a virtual meeting from my bed in the back of my car and cried my heart out. The person hosting the meeting, Katelyn, instantly befriended me and starting texting with me with comforting messages and ideas. Then she said I should email the Lemon Aide Project. Shannon Parkhurst returned my email right away and got me enough money that day to get a good night's rest at an AirBnb, pay some of my bills, and fix my brakes. 

With the housing shortage and so many displaced people I'm still working to find somewhere I can afford to live, but at least I'm well rested enough to have full mental capacity/executive function necessary to plan. Sometimes all it takes is a little help to make a big difference. I appreciate the lack of judgement I encountered during my interactions with Shannon. The help was more than financial, it gave me empowerment to keep moving forward and improving my life."

9/7/21

Slater Fire Victim

My family and I are so thankful for Lemon Aide Program for helping us in a time of need. We lost our home in a devastating fire in 2020 in a small town of Happy Camp ca. We lost everything including animals. With their help I could buy my kids (5,6,7,19) school clothes, shoe's and put money towards a rental. Thank you Lemon Aide Program for making this happen.

“My name is Dinah Marie Sulipeck, and on September 8, 2020, the world as I knew it was to be no longer. Sure it started like any other day; I had house projects to finish and errands to run. My friend Lisa West had asked me to take her to Home Depot, and I couldn’t have been more excited about doing so; it was autumn after all, and the anticipation of seeing all those fall colors on the redwood highway delighted me. At 7:30 am, we climbed into my 1990 Dodge pickup and headed over Greyback Hwy as it was the shortest and most scenic route to the Home Depot. We hadn’t been there long when our phones started sounding the information alert. People were being evacuated, and the fire was moving incredibly fast. I had barely time to start my truck when my phone began ringing, all concerned neighbors checking to make sure I was out of my house because the fire was less than a quarter-mile away from where I lived in Indian creek. And then, Six minutes later, another phone call, this one so much more accurate, so much more devastating. This call was about my property, about my house and my barn it was to tell me Everything was gone. One can only imagine unless they too have gone thru such an ordeal . My mind raced as my heart broke on my rush back to Happy Camp and my little plot up Indian creek. How could it be gone, just yesterday I was doing the gardening and waving to neighbors as they passed to and from town. The weight of events began to take hold of me. I was numb and almost comatose. I began moving as if in a fog.

The process of gathering and filling without paperwork soon became over whelming especially when I found that the home owners insurance policy I had just purchased one month earlier was fraudulent and would not cover any of my losses. A year later and now what? Hopeless now and in dire straights at a loss of what to do next. I am 76 years old rebuilding will prove a challenge fortunately for myself and many others the help of the Lemon Aide Project and the aid they have given will help meet in my endeavor. I am grateful to the organization for the compassion and help they have given to me. It’s a satisfying reminder that if you have been given lemons make yourself some lemonade and move your life forward.

Give many thanks to the lemon Aide project may they continue to brighten dark situations for a better tomorrow. “

Sincerely,

Dinah Sulipeck slater’s fire survivor

https://www.globalgiving.org/.../california-wildfire.../

Www.lemonaideproject.org

"I'm so sad for for everyone going through this it's absolutely heartbreaking. The way I found you was searching for information to share on the Greenville strong private group for the fire victims and California strong Page that My friend set up because her happy camp strong Page helped All of us after the Slater fire. Thank you for helping My family and I And thank you so very much for helping All the fire victims you can!"

 "I stayed at the Klamath river Bank instead of going to yreka in the Mass evacuation we were evacuated 2 times that day and I watched the mountains  burn. I kept watch so if I needed to I could get to a small boat by the River And float  away from the fire. "

AUG 25, 2021

The ravaging wildfire's destroyed Nicole Green's entire property. There were three houses on multiple acres that were not insured but were turned to ashes in the Glassfire, located in Sonoma County.  They needed help with absolutely everything and are still in need of secure housing while their rebuild takes place. Thanks to a huge community drive with Kobrin Financial, they were able to get clothing, toilitries, pet items, and more. 

1/25/21

Pandemic Assistance

"The Lemon Aide Project helped us after our RV was stolen during the Covid-19 Pandemic. They took care of many of our bills and groceries, so that we could focus on restoring our home after it was recovered. The process was quick, painless, and they offered reassurance through the difficult time." 

1/17/21

Pandemic Assistance

"The Lemon aide project came to the rescue for our family when we were severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Their help made a world of difference for us and helped alleviate some of the stress. Thank you Lemon aide Project!!!"

COVID-19 Relief Assistance

1/3/21

"Lemon Aide Project has assisted me in buying a generator to keep the power on in my RV and my tools charged. This will allow me to work more and give back to the community that has given me a new lease on life. And its not just the financial support, its the emotional support. Thank you to everyone who chooses to read this."

- Albert

THANK YOU TO THE "LEMON AIDE PROJECT" FOR BEING THE FIRST PEOPLE TO HELP US WITH THE DONATION OF CLOTHES. THE "LEMON AIDE PROJECT" HAS BEEN STARTED, AND ORGANIZED TO HELP PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF WHO HAS JUST LOST THEIR HOME AND EVERYTHING IN IT TO THE WALBRIDGE FIRE THAT STARTED AROUND THE 17th., or 18th of AUGUST. THE "LEMONADE PROJECT" IS A WONDERFUL ORGANIZATION, AND I GREATLY APPRECIATE THE HELP FROM THEM.

SINCERELY,

NICKI  ST. JEAN

Due to the recent global pandemic (COVID-19) schools were forced to continue learning at a distance. Remote education is NOT soley for the priveleged. Unfortunately, this is how it plays out in our society. Justo Calderon contacted the school district for months and was feeling defeated. He came to us in tears saying he prayed for us. Without hesitation, after verification, we chose to fund this family with a brand new laptop for furthing his families education. 

 This family has gone through massive hardship including losing a son and brother. Lemon Aide Project is here for continual support for the Calderon family, we are blessed to have met you. 

Clarrissa Gjokas has a life threatening illness, so when pregnant, its always high risk. During her most recent pregnancy, Clarissa ws not able to see a specialist because of COVID-19. she saw an OB once only and by the second time she saw an OB it was on her 19th week of pregnancy. She had asked the doctor what the heart rate was and he said he didnt hear one and to go do a better ultrasound the next day. The following day, Clarissa went to the ultrasound. She never heard a heartbeat. Once the midwife came in, to let her know that the baby measured at 19 weeks and did not have a heartbeat. She had to be induced. It took about a week before the Dr. was able to get me in the hospital due to this global pandemic. She had an emergency D&C because the placenta didn't come out.  

After Clarissa had found out the baby didn't have a heartbeat she called an organization which was unable to help her. She then came to us in desperation. 

Lemon Aide Project helped fund her infants funeral. 

 These are her words:

"- This is why i appreciate lemonaid project you guys respond and seem to be understanding and realize when people are truly in need. I can never thank you enough for your help. When i remembered about your organization i hesitated to contact because its such a personal problem but it was one of the best things i could have done. If there is anything else i can let you know ask awayill do my best to answer. Also it wasnt until after I gave birth we noticed our babies umbilical cord was in a super tight knot-."

We'd like to give a huge THANK YOU to Lemon Aide Project for providing our family of 6 with financial assistance during these hard times we are going through. Due to the pandemic, both my husband and I were laid off and we were  having a hard time paying our rent. Unfortunately, we don't qualify for unemployment benefits or the stimulus checks being sent out. We were lucky enough my son saw the Lemon Aid Project page on Facebook and convinced us to apply for assistance. We will forever be thankful for the financial support they provided, and for making this process go by smooth. Thanks to the Lemon Aid Project, I was able to pay off my landlord on the rent I was behind. When times get better for my family, we will definetly pay it forward and donate to this organization. Thank you!!!! 

-The Lopez family

Since the pandemic of COVID-19, our emails have been flooded with people in dire need circumstances. These needs are not simply for individuals and families. We were approached by a kind angel, who stated the Marin Oaks school system was in need of funding. Without hesistation, we decided to fully fund their yearbook request. To our surprise, and theirs as well, another person fully funded that request before we were able! That being said - we were able to allocate funds futhermore needed by the administration. A dire request to help fund the 2020 graduation was accepted.  Marin Oaks High School is a public school, supporting grades 9 to 12. It's located in Novato, CA in Marin County. The total enrollment at Marin Oaks High School is 71 students, making it a small high school, in the bottom 25% of all California high schools by size. With at most a few dozen students in each class, students get to know most other Marin Oaks High students well. But the small student body size may mean that they won't get access to the full range of activities and classes that other high schools offer.

Lemon Aide Project understands that there is no correct way to grieve in extreme situations, but know we have had to. Miss Frances Denise was very dear to our heart and unfortunately lost her battle with health recently. She was a huge support for the entire team from the second she asked us for support. Miss Frances was a homeless mother dealing with mental health issues among many other unfortunate problems. She put in the effort to check in with us regularly and show us her improvement. This one hits very close to home for us. She will be forever missed, loved, and cherished.

Faith Ruiz was Lemon Aide Projects biggest fund thus far. Her story was close to a nightmare. Her children were kidnapped and taken to Mexico. The man was arrested and the kids were stuck being held at child protective services while faith was in the US. Lemon Aide Aide Project had to provide funds for plane tickets, new passports, and hotel stays umong other things. This was an adventure to say the least. Faith has been in contact still thanking us for the favor she can never repay. We are blessed to have helped her reconnect with her children. One of the proudest achievements Lemon Aide Project has had to date.

Crystal Boivin is a mother of nine, one of which being mentally gifted. She has been continuously searching for work while being hit with hardship. Crystal has stayed positive despite all of the turns and downfalls that have come her way. She was forced to be a single mother while one of her children were still in the womb. Lemon Aide Project was able to help her with home repairs and her electric bill making her home a safer one for her children. This woman has been nothing but light in this world. She deserves everything positive coming her way. We are proud to announce she JUST landed a job and is focusing on the future for herself and her kids.

Sarah and her family was chosen as our "adopt a family" for the holidays in December of 2020