Close to Home

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.Resourceshttps://postfire.orghttps://www.eatonfirecollaborative.orghttps://www.aialosangeles.org/news/news-and-blogs/wildfire-response-and-resources-2025CreditsClose 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 usFind resources and contribute to the project at...Linktree - Close to Home Podemail - info@closetohomepod.comIG - @closetohome.podEpisode 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, info@closetohomepod.com #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 LeaderChun Liu, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, Project Architect