Volunteers Transform Foundation into Home for Altadena Family

On October 18, 2025, a team of volunteers from Habitat for Humanity began the significant task of rebuilding the home of longstanding Altadena residents, Kenneth and Carol Wood. After a devastating fire that impacted many homes in the area, their property, previously just a foundation on a dirt lot, is now taking shape with the help of dedicated community members.

The rebuild, located near Altadena Drive and Fair Oaks Avenue, marks the first of 25 homes that Habitat for Humanity plans to construct for fire survivors over the next year. The organization aims to provide these families with new homes as they recover from the disaster. Volunteers commenced work on October 16, collaborating with a construction team to erect pre-built walls, install roof framing, and lay plywood sheeting.

Approximately 60 volunteers are needed each day to ensure the Wood family’s home is completed on schedule. Among them was Ray Vasquez, a senior vice president at Bank of America, who rallied around 20 colleagues from local branches to participate in the effort. “Our goal is to have the Wood family in their new home before the holiday season,” Vasquez stated. His family has lived in Altadena for nine years and experienced the evacuation during the fire, despite their home surviving.

Vasquez emphasized the emotional toll on the community, saying, “We have dozens and dozens of friends who live in Altadena that unfortunately lost their homes, so we know the pain and suffering is deep and real.” His previous volunteering experiences with Habitat for Humanity in Glendale and Pasadena have highlighted the importance of communal support during challenging times.

Building Hope and Community Spirit

The construction site buzzed with activity as volunteers like Mealand Banihashemi hammered nails and John Soliman worked with saws, all contributing to the framing phase of the Wood home. Local leaders, including Kathryn Barger, were present to lend their support, demonstrating the collective effort to help families rebuild their lives.

The initiative goes beyond just physical construction. It represents a gathering of hearts and hands, a testament to the resilience of the community. As Vasquez noted, “You really form that community. We come together in times of need like this, and it really helps us to realize that we are part of a greater community.”

In addition to the rebuilding efforts, the local government has actively engaged in providing resources to assist fire survivors. Over $31 million in grants has been distributed to households affected by the fires, highlighting the ongoing commitment to recovery in the region.

As the project progresses, the hope is that not only will the Wood family have a new home, but that the entire Altadena community will emerge stronger and more united than before. The framing phase is just the beginning of a journey towards healing and a fresh start for many families affected by the tragedy.