In the aftermath of January's devastating Eaton Fire, families in Altadena, California, are beginning to see a path forward, thanks to a new initiative that aims to streamline the rebuilding process. A collaboration between Los Angeles County, the Foothill Catalog Foundation, and the San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity is offering pre-approved home designs for fire-affected residents to select from—helping fast-track reconstruction while maintaining the community’s architectural integrity.

For longtime Altadena residents Carol and Kenneth Wood Sr., the support is life-changing. The couple lost their home of 40 years to the fire and have since been displaced, moving through three different temporary housing arrangements.

"What has happened to me since the fire, I never dreamed could happen," said Kenneth. "But what's happening to me now, I never dreamed could happen either. That there'd be someone that would help us get back into a home."

Under the initiative, 26 families—including the Woods—will have the opportunity to rebuild on their original land using the streamlined design and permitting process. The homes will be rebuilt with guidance from architects and planners who understand Altadena’s historic charm and character.

Supervisor Kathryn Barger emphasized that the pre-approved designs are not only meant to speed up recovery but also to reflect and preserve the heritage of the community.

"I really want to emphasize that," Barger said. "Because many in this community's greatest fear was that it would be built back and look like development and not look like the Altadena, which had so much architectural significance within the area."

The approach also reduces delays caused by permitting backlogs and architectural review processes, common pain points in post-disaster reconstruction.

For the Woods, hope is finally within reach.

"I said you know if I just get a shed, a room built up, I would take it—in my neighborhood, in my yard," Carol Wood shared. "And just to see that this is possible is really beautiful."

Bryan Wong, CEO of San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity, said the partnership is just getting started and will continue to grow.

"We've identified a handful of families now," Wong said. "And we fully expect, as we get this thing up and running, that other builders, other developers in other areas will come to this incredible area of Altadena and get it rebuilt."

The project is part of a broader effort to ensure equitable and timely recovery in a region with deep historical roots and limited affordable housing stock. With reconstruction now more feasible, officials and community leaders hope to prevent long-term displacement and restore Altadena’s vibrant neighborhoods.

Families interested in participating or learning more about the rebuilding program can reach out to the San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity or visit their website for resources and updates.

As rebuilding begins, the Woods and others impacted by the fire now have something they haven’t felt in months—certainty and hope.

Originally reported by Ashley Mackey in ABC 7 Eyewitness News.