August marked another important milestone in San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity’s work to help Altadena families rebuild after the fire. In just one week, SGV Habitat celebrated two groundbreaking ceremonies—each representing a new beginning for a family with deep roots in the community.
On August 24th, SGV Habitat broke ground on Emerson Way, beginning construction on Deborah’s new home. For more than six decades, her home was the heart of four generations of her family—a place of security, connection, and belonging. When the Eaton Fire destroyed it, the future was uncertain. Today, thanks to neighbors, volunteers, donors, and community partners, Deborah is once again on the path home.
As she reflected on the support surrounding her, Deborah said, “I had a village that I didn’t know I had.”
Just three days later, on August 27th, SGV Habitat celebrated another groundbreaking on Reever Way, where Grace’s new home will take shape. Grace moved to Altadena in 1972 and spent nearly 40 years serving Pasadena Unified School District students and families as an IEP specialist. Her commitment to her community continued even after losing her home in the Eaton Fire. In fact, Grace helped connect another fire survivor, the Espinoza family, with SGV Habitat’s rebuilding program and their home is well underway too!
These two celebrations reflect the momentum behind SGV Habitat’s Altadena rebuilding efforts. Twenty homes are currently under construction, with more breaking ground and more than a dozen additional homes moving through the permitting process. Each home is designed with wildfire resilience in mind, with the goal of achieving certification through the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home program.
This progress is possible because of an extraordinary village of support. From the Altadena Builds Back Foundation and Foothill Catalog to Thrivent, James Hardie, volunteers, donors, public officials, and countless community members, partners are helping create a more affordable and efficient path for underinsured and uninsured homeowners to return home.
Two groundbreakings. Two families. One growing movement to rebuild Altadena—stronger, more resilient, and together.
