Close to Home

What does it truly take to return home after a disaster? 

In this episode of Close to Home, we check in on the foothills of Altadena, California, a little over one year after the Eaton Fire to see how both homeowners and renters are grappling with the "mountain to climb" that is recovery. Through the perspectives of architect-homeowners Charles and Lynnelle Bryant, this episode shares their resilient path forward as they navigate $100,000 in cleanup damage and the California Fair Plan, remaining committed to building back better than ever in Altadena.

We also dive deep with Altadena Tenants Union co-founder Katie Clark to expose the "invisibility" of renters in public policy and the legal battle for safe habitability. By blending architectural expertise with raw testimony, the episode also examines how "like-for-like" rebuilding risks reinforcing historical inequities, ultimately reframing recovery as an intentional effort to restore the community’s social infrastructure so every neighbor can truly come home.

Action Steps to Take Now

• ​For Homeowners: Seek guidance in person and online through the resources below. Many organizations offer walk in support, including Rebuild Summits and the Eaton Fire Collaboratory, where professionals can help you “figure out the finance” before starting design.
• ​For Renters: Seek guidance in person and online through the resources below, especially the Altadena Tenants Union. Request official inspection reports and remediation proof from your landlord before moving back in.
• ​For the Community: Engage with neighbors on social media (e.g., @closetohomepod on Instagram) to share information and prevent "planning vacuums".

Resource Directory & Support Links

If you are currently in the middle of a rebuild or assisting others in Southern California, use these organizations to find professional guidance and financial mapping.

• ​National Organization of Minority Architects - socalnoma.org -  has a list of vetted professionals like licensed architects, interior designers, GCs, and other providers. Here is that list: ARC professional directory
• ​American Institute of Architects - aialosangeles.org - Professional Directory & Basic Rebuild Timelines and Resource
• ​Altadena Tenants Union - altadunatenantsunion.org - Advocacy & Legal Rights for tenants of Altadena
• ​CORE - CORE Altadena - an in-person hub where residents access expert guidance, including resource navigation, legal and insurance support, and financial assistance, to help them return home.
• ​HPP CARES - hppcares-recovery.org - provides free, comprehensive rebuild case management for uninsured, underinsured, and fully funded families, with in-person support at the Eaton Fire Collaboratory on Woodbury Rd in Altadena.
• ​Legacy Land Project - thelegacylandproject.org - supports Altadena and Pasadena families impacted by the Eaton Fire with coordinated financial, legal, rebuild, and care services so residents don’t navigate recovery alone.
• ​Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) - NHS Los Angeles - Financial & Rebuild Guidance
• ​Post-Fire - Post-Fire Resource Portal - Built by Eaton Fire survivors, personalized recovery guidance by situation (tenant, homeowner, total loss, smoke damage)

Credits

 Hosts: Adrian McCann, Melvin Williams, Nicole Buhles.

Producers: Sophia Paliza Carre, Christopher Olin, Adron McCan, Nicole Buhles and Melvin Williams.

Opening Poem “Fire” by Jenari Mitchell.

Original music by ⁠Adron⁠.

Special thanks to all of the Altadena residents who contributed to the creation of this project.

Thanks as well to France Anderson, Jody Mendelson and Kristen Bonne. 

This project is a partnership with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and (NOMA) National Organization of Minority Architects.

Connect with us

Find resources and contribute to the project at...

• ​⁠Linktree - Close to Home Pod⁠
• ​email - [email protected]
• ​IG - ⁠@closetohome.pod

Episode transcript:

⁠Close to Home transcripts

What does it take to rebuild a community after a disaster?

On our pilot episode of Close to Home, we put the question to Altadena residents and volunteers who were directly impacted by the Eaton Fire of January 2025. 

One year after the wildfire destroyed more than 9,000 structures and displaced thousands, the episode offers a grounded look at recovery in Altadena, California: slow, complex, and very much a work in progress for most residents. 

Blending personal stories with on-the-ground reporting and actionable resources, the episode explores the challenges facing homeowners, tenants, small businesses, schools and other community members as they navigate insurance, permitting, housing instability, and grief. The impact on Black Altadena—home to one of the highest rates of Black homeownership in the country—is especially profound, raising urgent questions about displacement, equity, and how to preserve and fortify generational roots. Through community voices and expert insight, Close to Home reframes rebuilding as more than construction—it’s about restoring stability, dignity, and a sense of belonging. This pilot sets the stage for a community-led series documenting recovery, resilience, and the work of coming home.

Resources

• https://postfire.org
• https://www.eatonfirecollaborative.org
• https://www.aialosangeles.org/news/news-and-blogs/wildfire-response-and-resources-2025

Credits

Close to Home is a partnership between a team of dedicated volunteer journalists and the American Institute of Architects, Los Angeles Chapter.

Original music is by Adron.

Special thanks to all of the Altadena residents who contributed to the creation of this project.

Thanks as well to France Anderson, Jody Mendelson and Kirstyn Bonneau.

Connect with us

Find resources and contribute to the project at...

• Linktree - Close to Home Pod
• email - [email protected]
• IG - @closetohome.pod

Episode transcript:

Close to Home transcripts

Close To Home is a guide for listeners to help find a way through the aftermath and recovery of the Eaton Fire.

This disaster devastated Altadena on January 7, 2025, displacing thousands and destroying more than 9,000 structures. One year into an uneven recovery, this series highlights what truly drives progress: volunteerism, community action, mutual support, and grassroots organizing.

Through firsthand accounts from residents, organizers, and subject-matter experts, the podcast delivers a practical disaster recovery toolkit, empowering communities everywhere to navigate loss, rebuild with purpose, and emerge stronger. Join our community and help guide the conversation as we build a roadmap for recovery together.

Find us on Instagram @closetohome.pod and our email, [email protected]

 #DisasterRecovery #CommunityResilience #EatonFire #Altadena #CloseToHomePodcast #RebuildTogether #MutualAid #CommunityOrganizing

Learn how the architecture community is responding to the 2025 L.A. wildfires.

Hosted by

• Melvin Williams III, Assoc. AIA, Regional Practice, Technology Leader
• Chun Liu, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, Project Architect