Five Altadena Families Receive Free Modular Homes After Eaton Fire
Five Altadena homeowners who lost their homes in the Eaton fire were presented with modular homes at no cost, thanks to a nonprofit initiative led by Los Angeles developer Rick Caruso, it was announced today.
The homes were delivered yesterday, November 4, during a live taping of The Adam Carolla Show at The Americana at Brand in Glendale. “Yesterday was one of the greatest days of my life,” Caruso said. “We delivered five homes to families who had lost everything in the wildfires. I left there thinking, ‘Why isn’t the government doing more for these people? They have no options.’” The initiative is backed by a $15 million pledge from Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia and the Caruso Family Foundation, operating under Steadfast LA’s “Rebuilding” pillar.
Samara, a California-based housing company, is constructing the prefabricated homes, which can be built in six to eight months and installed in weeks, offering a swift path to recovery for families displaced by the devastating wildfires that impacted Los Angeles County. More than 9,000 homes were damaged or destroyed in the region, and 19 people died. This rapid rebuilding approach aims to address the critical housing shortage following natural disasters and help communities recover more quickly. Caruso emphasized the need for collaboration, stating, “Government can’t do it alone, but when the public and private sectors come together with purpose and integrity, we can move mountains.” You can learn more about wildfire recovery efforts at the California Office of Emergency Services.
Caruso, who ran for mayor of Los Angeles in 2022, indicated he is considering another run for office, stating he will make a decision within weeks. He highlighted the importance of a “builder’s mentality” focused on urgency and efficiency, contrasting it with what he described as a lack of progress in Los Angeles governance. Steadfast LA’s work is detailed on their official website.
Officials stated the Steadfast LA Foundation will continue to fast-track wildfire recovery across Los Angeles County, with plans to expand the program to assist more families in need.
