Thursday, June 26, 2025

Habitat for Humanity Launches “Walls of Hope” Build for LA County Fire Survivors

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity will mobilize nearly 500 volunteers to construct wall panels for homes lost in the Eaton Fire in Altadena and other recent wildfires.

The two-day event, “Walls of Hope: Altadena Strong,” will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 26 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, June 27 at Brookside Park in Pasadena.

The rebuilding effort follows a $4.55 million grant from the Altadena Builds Back Foundation and a partnership with the Foothill Catalog Foundation to create pre-approved house designs under Los Angeles County’s streamlined post-fire permitting process.

“This is not just about rebuilding homes — it’s about restoring hope, stability and a future,” said Bryan Wong, chief executive of SGV Habitat. “We have 25 families who have already applied for assistance.”

Kenneth Wood, an 85-year-old Eaton Fire survivor, lost homes belonging to three generations of his family. “At my age, I never thought I’d be starting over,” Wood said. “But today, standing on this land I’ve known for decades, I feel something I didn’t expect — hope.”

Habitat’s preliminary data reveals significant insurance challenges: 37 percent of homeowners have some coverage, but most are underinsured with average payouts of about $375,000. Seven percent have no coverage at all. Research shows roughly 74 percent of policyholders in the Eaton Fire area were underinsured.

Most applicants live in multi-generational properties, with over 75 percent interested in adding accessory dwelling units to house extended family or fellow fire survivors.

During the two-day build, teams will assemble framing and prefabricated pieces to be stored until on-site reconstruction begins in Altadena. Families will choose from pre-approved plans, including Foothill Catalog designs.

The nonprofit’s long-term strategy includes comprehensive case management and financial assistance to help survivors rebuild without taking on new debt. Since its founding in 1990, SGV Habitat has served more than 300 families and has a history of post-disaster reconstruction.

Brookside Park, 360 N. Arroyo Blvd. Thursday, June 26 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, June 27 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity