Our History

The Out of the Ashes project originally developed the Home Loss File System box in the aftermath of the 2003 San Diego Cedar Fire. Survivors realized just how difficult it was to get their lives back on track, feeling a need for some sort of control in the wake of losing their homes. Getting organized became their top priority in the midst of chaos.  

When the Witch Creek Fire struck San Diego again in 2007, the Home Loss File System boxes were replicated in large quantities by volunteers, to be donated to survivors who were in the recovery process.  This was all made possible due to the great generosity of individuals and businesses who helped fund the project and assemble the boxes.

Ten years later, many areas of Sonoma and Napa counties were consumed during the 2017 Tubbs Fire. Out of the Ashes Project volunteers pulled together their resources, raised the funds needed to assemble 1000+ Home Loss File System boxes, and delivered them to northern California Local Assistance Centers for those displaced families.  The feedback was once again, extremely positive.

As a result, our San Diego volunteer group decided to create this website to make the Home Loss File System box more broadly and immediately available to those in need during future disasters.

To learn more: https://www.nbcsandiego.com