what zoning, red tape, and funding mean for your future
After the January 2025 wildfires destroyed over 16,000 homes, rebuilding efforts are being slowed by immigration crackdowns. As deportations rise, fear among immigrant workers is creating labor shortages that deepen the housing crisis and delay recovery for fire survivors.
When the Eaton Fire hit Altadena, many got no warning. Power failed, alerts came late, and neighbors became the only lifeline. Now, survivors are calling for systems that protect every community, not just the ones with privilege.
Rebuilding after LA’s wildfires is getting harder as tariffs raise the cost of materials like wood and steel. With rising construction prices and labor shortages, low-income communities face the biggest hurdles. Policy changes and resilient design are key to recovery.
When disaster strikes, recovery can feel overwhelming. But communities around the world have shown that rebuilding is possible. Explore how past recoveries offer lessons for LA’s ongoing response to the 2025 wildfires.
Families in Altadena and Pasadena are still facing stalled insurance claims, housing struggles, and the emotional weight of recovery months after the fires. This piece shares one family’s experience navigating the slow process of trying to rebuild.