It often starts with quiet, overwhelming questions: What now? How do I even start? Who do I turn to?

In early 2025, Los Angeles faced devastating wildfires that destroyed over 16,000 homes and buildings and displaced tens of thousands of families, including our founder, Cherie Marquez. In the aftermath, it became clear that many survivors weren’t just navigating loss—they were navigating a broken support system.

Your Next Door Neighbor started as a grassroots effort—just neighbors helping neighbors. We began by gathering resources, sharing links, passing on information in real time as we figured out how to navigate recovery ourselves. What started as an urgent exchange of support quickly grew into something more: a vision for what rebuilding could look like if community stayed at the center.

Today, we’re laying the foundation for something bigger: a statewide model of community response that starts in Los Angeles but reaches across California. While our work began in the aftermath of the wildfires, our focus is on helping anyone facing crisis or disaster—whether it’s a family displaced by a natural disaster, a survivor rebuilding after domestic violence, or someone navigating sudden hardship.

We’re building toward a future that includes microgrants, immersive experiences, and trusted connections with brands, service providers, and neighbors who want to help—because we believe recovery should feel personal, accessible, and grounded in real, tangible support.