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
