A Milestone for Recovery. A New Beginning for One Family.
On July 21, 2026, San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity celebrated a significant milestone with the groundbreaking of its 15th home for a family rebuilding after the Eaton Fire. Homeowner Louise and her family were joined by SGV Habitat leaders, community partners, volunteers, local officials, and neighbors as construction officially began on their new home on McNally Avenue—a meaningful step forward in Altadena’s long-term recovery.
While the event marked another milestone in SGV Habitat’s rebuilding efforts, it was also a powerful reminder that every home represents a family, a history, and a community working together to heal.
Louise has lived on McNally Avenue for more than five decades. She shares her home with her three adult children and two grandchildren, making the rebuild more than just a new house—it’s the restoration of an ancestral home that has been at the heart of the neighborhood for generations.
During the ceremony, family, friends, and neighbors reflected on what Louise means to the community. Many affectionately described her as the “neighborhood mom,” saying the soul of the street would finally be returning home. Others shared a lighter moment, joking that the house simply had to be completed before the holidays because Louise is the neighborhood’s very own “Mrs. Griswold,” known for the spectacular Christmas light display that has brightened McNally Avenue for years.
Louise’s children, Shannon and Darren, spoke about the significance of rebuilding the family home where generations have gathered, sharing memories and expressing hope for the future. Their stories served as a moving reminder that rebuilding is about far more than construction—it’s about preserving family legacies and restoring the sense of home that was lost.
The groundbreaking also highlighted SGV Habitat’s commitment to helping eligible homeowners rebuild without taking on additional debt. Through grants, zero-interest financing, and support from design and permitting through construction, the organization continues to help families overcome the financial barriers that often stand in the way of recovery.
The milestone drew strong media interest, with on-site coverage from FOX 11, FOX 11 Plus, KTLA 5, and NBC 4, helping raise awareness of SGV Habitat’s ongoing Eaton Fire Recovery Rebuild Program and the resources available to homeowners throughout the community.
Each groundbreaking represents another family moving one step closer to coming home—and another important step toward rebuilding Altadena.
San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity extends its sincere gratitude to everyone who attended the ceremony and to the volunteers, partners, donors, and supporters making this recovery possible. Together, we are not only rebuilding homes—we are helping restore hope, strengthen neighborhoods, and bring families back where they belong.
