Jian Zhao

Thousands lost their homes in the January 2025 Los Angeles fires, among the deadliest and most destructive wildfires in California History.
Losing one's home, belongings, and community, along with the threat to personal safety and the safety of loved ones, can have a major impact on survivors' mental health. Studies show higher rates of PTSD, depression, and anxiety, which can last for years.

Zongjin Wu, 76, dedicates himself to caring for his wife Alice, who has advanced Alzheimer’s, despite financial strain and physical challenges, reflecting deep love and cultural values of filial piety.

Angela Khang's father’s disappearance highlights stigma, misconceptions, and cultural barriers around dementia in Chinese communities, delaying diagnosis, care, and support access.

With a growing elderly population and a critical shortage of caregivers, the Chinese community is moving away from traditional expectations of caregiving, especially as adult children live lives away from parents. Chinese seniors often struggle to find caregivers who can speak the language and attend to their needs. As a result, undocumented Chinese workers are increasingly entering the workforce to address the shortage of caregivers for older Chinese adults.

"Saving Face”, a traditional Confucian concept, delineates the purpose of social exchange to promote self-esteem and equilibrium within the community. Chinese older adults who have internalized this concept may be more reluctant to engage with their social network to share negative emotions and life difficulties, potentially creating a fertile ground for loneliness. John Feng, who is 91 years old experiences intense bouts of loneliness and isolation, despite living in a senior apartment building in L.A. Chinatown where nearly all the residents are Chinese.

Cathay Manor, a senior housing project with 270 housing units in LA's Chinatown, is home to low-income elderly residents. The two elevators in the building have never functioned smoothly, leaving residents trapped and isolated and, in some cases, causing injury and great harm.

A one-bed-one-bath "hotel" room in Monterey Park is home to 12 Chinese immigrants who live in overcrowded, unsanitary and potentially deadly conditions. There are dozens of such "hotels" or "boarding houses" that help newly arrived immigrants who don't have a work permit and savings. Without this room-sharing option, they would have to sleep on the streets.

Finding housing for loved ones who suffer from chronic mental illness is a big challenge. State and federal housing resources are typically geared towards t experiencing homelessness. It doesn't help that living in an unstable environment can greatly undermine maintaining stability or recovery.