Rebuilding Affordable Housing in Altadena After the Eaton Fire

The Eaton Fire significantly affected the housing landscape in Altadena, California, destroying over 77% of multi-family units in the area, according to data analyzed by the United Way. This devastation left many renters, who previously enjoyed below-market rates, facing an increasingly unaffordable housing market. In response, local organizations are working to rebuild and restore affordable housing options for displaced residents.

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The Altadena Builds Back Foundation, a subsidiary of the Pasadena Community Foundation, has initiated a project to rebuild 14 affordable rental units on a lot on Pine Street in West Altadena. The foundation has awarded a nearly $6 million grant to Beacon Housing, a Pasadena-based affordable housing provider, to purchase the lot, clean up debris, and fund reconstruction efforts. The project aims to provide a model for equitable rebuilding in the aftermath of the fire.

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Palin Ngaotheppitak, executive director of Beacon Housing, emphasized the importance of centering renters in the rebuilding conversation, stating, “We need to center renters because I think that they are often not included in the conversation.” She highlighted the vulnerability of displaced renters, noting that many are at risk of homelessness.

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The Altadena Builds Back Foundation has already awarded a previous grant of over $4.5 million to San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity to rebuild 22 single-family homes, which are currently under construction. Candice Kim, project director of the foundation, expressed a desire to secure additional funding for more affordable housing projects, stating, “There is a desire to raise more funding, to have more funders come in and fund affordable housing or community-friendly projects.”

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A recent survey conducted by the Eaton Fire Collab revealed that 72% of surveyed renters still require housing, with 68% reporting a total loss of their homes. Many individuals are currently displaced, with some forced to couch surf or relocate significant distances from their previous residences. The new rental units will prioritize former tenants of the property, while others will be selected through a lottery system. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate very low income, with a two-person household needing to earn less than $60,600 annually.

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Construction of the new affordable units is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2024. To expedite the process and reduce costs, the units will be prefabricated, with bungalows constructed by Clayton Homes and duplexes built by Malibu-based Home Gallery.

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• “We need to center renters because I think that they are often not included in the conversation,” — Palin Ngaotheppitak, Executive Director of Beacon Housing

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• “We felt that it was really important to focus on a project that we can keep affordable for a long time and that would be a symbol for others around how we can get renters to come back and how we preserve affordable housing in the community,” — Palin Ngaotheppitak, Executive Director of Beacon Housing

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• “Some are couch surfing. People are displaced 20, 30 miles farther than they've ever been,” — Rev. Mary Ann Harrison, Pastor of Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church

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The rebuilding efforts in Altadena represent a critical step towards restoring affordable housing and addressing the needs of those affected by the Eaton Fire.

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