Weather 
ALTADENA, Calif. () — The first home built by San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity has been completed after just five months.
A home on E. Pine St. In Altadena first belonged to Mrs. Carol Wood’s parents. It is one of many intergenerational homes destroyed by the Eaton Fire, and the Woods are one of many families who have received the support of Habitat for Humanity to rebuild it.
Friday, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held as the Woods were handed the keys to their new home. Mrs. Wood described it as the end of a difficult road.
“Not knowing the answers, and now we’ve come to see this beautiful home. It’s really beyond words,” she said.
Eyewitness News documented the progress — the foundation was poured, the walls painted. Disney and 7 volunteers also chipped in as the home was built in five months.
“Underneath the walls, you can’t see them now that they’re closed up, but there’s messages from all those volunteers. The community’s love is right here in the walls,” said Faith Mellinger, of the San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity.
The expedited building is part of a partnership between Los Angeles County, the San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity and the Foothill Catalog Foundation.
“What we do is pre-approved standard plans, keeping in mind the architectural character and variety that you see here in Altadena,” said Cynthia Sigler, project architect and co-founder of The Foothill Catalog Foundation.
Mr. Ken Wood and Mrs. Wood have remained hopeful throughout this journey.
“It’s strengthened me because you believe that there’s good out there, you believe that things will work out for you,” said Mrs. Wood.
They often express gratitude for the non-material — the San Gabriel Mountains that Mr. Wood adores, and the helpers who made coming back home possible.
“I didn’t know if this would happen again, ” said Mr. Wood. “As beautiful as those mountains are and the palm trees, I’d say most impressive are the people who’ve assisted us.”
This is SGV Habitat’s first completed rebuild through its efforts in Altadena. Nine others are under constructions as they continue accepting applications to support uninsured and under-insured homeowners.
© 2026 Television,
