Habitat for Humanity San Gabriel Valley works to empower families through stable, affordable homeownership. In response to the Eaton Fire, the organization is helping longtime Altadena homeowners rebuild and return to the community they’ve called home for decades.
By combining innovative construction methods, volunteer power, and community partnerships, Habitat is creating a realistic path back to homeownership for families who would otherwise be unable to rebuild.
Habitat for Humanity San Gabriel Valley exists to help low-income families achieve long-term housing stability through affordable home construction. Following the Eaton Fire, their focus has expanded to rebuilding homes for displaced residents — prioritizing dignity, stability, and community continuity.
Impact Highlights:
Supporting Eaton Fire survivors in Altadena
Serving longtime homeowners, many displaced after decades in their homes
Addressing gaps left by underinsurance or lack of coverage
Program Overview:
Habitat’s Eaton Fire Rebuild Program focuses on helping residents who lost homes they owned for decades — many of whom are seniors with limited financial options.
Program Snapshot:
503 families currently on the waiting list
Average applicant age: 71 years old
Average homeownership before the fire: 30 years
Many families underinsured or uninsured
Pre-Approved Home Plans
Architect-designed plans approved in advance
Significantly reduces permitting timelines
Allows rebuilding to begin sooner
Off-Site Wall Panel Construction
Volunteers build wall panels at community activation days
Panels are stored until lots are cleared
Homes can be assembled quickly once sites are ready
Affordable Rebuild Model
Approx. 1,200 sq. ft. homes built for $450,000
Habitat fundraises to bridge insurance and funding gaps
Active build site in Altadena operating six days a week
The Berns Team Blessings donation supports Habitat for Humanity’s Eaton Fire rebuild efforts by helping close the financial gap for families who have no feasible path to rebuild on their own.
This contribution helps:
Fund construction for underinsured and uninsured homeowners
Accelerate rebuild timelines through efficient building methods
Support seniors and long-term residents returning to Altadena
Restore stability through permanent homeownership
Local, Direct Impact
Helping fire-displaced Altadena homeowners return home
Urgent Need
Temporary housing assistance is expiring for many families
Dignity & Stability
Homeownership instead of uncertain, long-term renting
Innovation in Action
Pre-approved plans and off-site building accelerate recovery
Chosen by the Community
Selected by Berns Team past clients through live voting
Story Highlight:
Among the first families being rebuilt for is an elderly couple, ages 84 and 85 — a powerful reminder of why this work matters.
“Thank you for your generosity — we’ll put the money to very good use. We’re trying to build as many houses as we can, as quickly as we can.” — Michael Bridges, Director, Habitat for Humanity SGV
Habitat for Humanity San Gabriel Valley continues to expand its rebuilding efforts in Altadena, creating pathways for families to return home and rebuild their lives. With opportunities for volunteer engagement and long-term partnership, Habitat remains committed to recovery that lasts well beyond the initial disaster response.
Habitat for Humanity – San Gabriel Valley
📍 Monrovia, CA
With our signature “6 Day Blitz” and “10 Day Blitz”, we have created “the magic” in the sale of our client’s homes over the last 10 years. We could not be more thankful for clients past & present for trusting us to walk with you. How can we help you realize your Real Estate goals? We love what we do & the people we are blessed to help & we will continue to let that drive us. Who is next?
