Armen and Datevig Daghlian, owners of CARSTAR Douglas Auto Body & Paint in Pasadena, CA, are navigating an uphill battle after a fire devastated their Pasadena home on Jan. 7. Despite their hardships -- including displacement, rising rental costs and home insurance gaps -- the couple remains determined to rebuild.
In the immediate aftermath of the fire, the Daghlian family was forced to relocate multiple times, shifting between hotels and short-term rentals. However, soaring rental prices in the area have made it difficult to secure stable housing. Additionally, gaps in their home insurance coverage have left them struggling to cover the full cost of rebuilding.
"That night, we had to make quick decisions and act fast to protect our family and neighbors," said Armen Daghlian. "The strength of my family and the support from our community has been overwhelming. We're deeply grateful for all the help we've received, and it gives us the resilience to keep moving forward. We’re committed to rebuilding -- not just our home, but also the sense of stability we've always had. We couldn’t do this without the love and kindness of others."
Beyond their personal losses, the Daghlian family demonstrated extraordinary bravery during the fire. With no firefighters initially arriving in their neighborhood, they took it upon themselves to warn neighbors and assist an elderly man in evacuating -- actions that likely saved his life.
“Armen and Datevig have always been pillars of strength for their community and team,” said Scott Paul, senior vice president of operations, U.S. Collision. “Armen’s faith amidst the chaos is truly inspiring.”
Despite the personal hardships, the Daghlian family has managed to keep their business running, thanks to the dedication of their team. However, their road to recovery remains long. Community members looking to support the family can contribute via their GoFundMe page.
