One Year Ago Today...

For many of our followers, this time of year feels heavy. It has been one year since the Los Angeles wildfires, and a year and two months since the Mountain Fire ravaged Camarillo. Reaching the one-year mark after an experience like this can bring a wide range of emotions, including reflection, grief, resilience, exhaustion, gratitude and, sometimes, many of those feelings all at once. Anniversaries like this have a way of quietly resurfacing memories and emotions, even for those who feel they have been doing okay.

We want to pause and honor where you are today.

To those of you who have chosen PHNX to help rebuild your home, we would like to express our gratitude for trusting us with such a sacred responsibility. Rebuilding after loss is far more than a construction process. It is emotional, layered, and very often nonlinear. We are honored to walk this road with you and are committed to meeting you with care, patience, and respect every step of the way.

To those who are not as far along in the rebuilding process, or who may still be deciding what comes next, please know that there is no deadline for healing or rebuilding. Taking your time is not failure. Needing space, clarity, or support is not weakness. Giving yourself grace, especially just one year later, is an act of strength.

Working alongside so many survivor families has been the greatest privilege of my career. In that time, I’ve witnessed extraordinary feats of faith, strength, patience and, above all, recovery. I am humbly inspired by your collective courage and resolve.

If you find yourself needing grounding, perspective, or practical guidance as you navigate next steps, we encourage you to explore a trauma-informed  resource that many in the wildfire community have found helpful: https://www.wheredowegofromhere.us

Wildfire loss changes lives in ways that extend far beyond what is visible. Wherever you are on this anniversary, whether you are actively rebuilding, quietly planning, or still holding space for what was lost, please know that you are not alone - and the only timeline that matters is yours.

We are here for you, any time, and in any way we can help.

With deep respect, gratitude and best wishes for the year ahead,

Laurie Fisher, Founder & CEO, and the entire PHNX Team