Back in 2023, the “Altadena Sandlot” group chat was created to bring dads in the area together and provide a space for them to hang out and express themselves through baseball. Now, its purpose extends far beyond that. After the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, many of these men have lost their homes, and have turned to these weekly meetups as a source of emotional support and friendship in difficult times. “It wasn’t designed to be a support group for dads, but that’s what it evolved into because of this,” says Brian Gardner, who lost his home in the Eaton Fire and is a member of this close-knit community. 📷 @alexwelshphoto for @nbcnews