A year after the devastating Palisades and Eaton wildfires, which killed 31 people and destroyed roughly 13,000 homes in Los Angeles County, rebuilding progress remains painfully slow. Fewer than a dozen homes have been reconstructed, leaving many neighborhoods lined with empty lots, charred foundations, and abandoned properties. Even surviving homes often remain uninhabited due to toxic debris.
Ted Koerner of Altadena managed to rebuild quickly by liquidating most of his retirement savings, completing his home in just over four months. His golden retriever, Daisy Mae, now enjoys their restored yard under a Heritage Oak. Yet, most residents lack the financial resources to act so decisively.
Insurance payouts frequently fall short of rebuilding costs, leaving homeowners stuck in limbo. Less than 20% of total-loss claims have closed, and many face burdensome processes with insurers like State Farm or the California FAIR Plan. Loans from FEMA or the SBA help some, but navigating them can be exhausting, particularly after trauma, job loss, or identity theft.
Communities like Altadena, historically a hub for Black homeowners, are disproportionately affected, with research showing 70% of severely damaged homeowners have not begun rebuilding. Despite these challenges, some, like the Baileys, remain determined to restore their homes and preserve their communities.