PACIFIC PALISADES—Global nonprofit Habitat for Humanity launched a four-day community build in the Pacific Palisades to help rebuild homes after the destruction of the Palisades Fire in January 2025. The wildfires plagued the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, three in four residents were left displaced as the Palisades Fire destroyed more than 23,000 acres of land. With significant financial barriers in the way of necessary rebuilding, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles partnered with hundreds of volunteers and partners for the four-day Community Build through its reBUILD LA initiative.
The community rebuild started on Wednesday, September 23, ending Saturday, September 26. More than 200 volunteers and community members joined the community build to help restore homes and neighborhoods in Pacific Palisades through projects such as landscaping, site clearing, and other revitalization efforts.
The four-day rebuilding and community revitalization event focused on helping wildfire survivors return home and begin rebuilding their lives. This multi-day effort brings together community members, builders, and corporate partners to complete critical repairs and improvements on impacted homes and community spaces.
On September 23, there were speeches at Habitat for Humanity’s base camp located at the Corpus Christi rectory located on the 800 block of Toyopa Drive. Speakers included Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park; Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath; Erin Rank, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles; and Monsignor Liam Kidney, pastor of Corpus Christi Catholic Church.
“The Palisades Fire devastated Los Angeles in January 2025 and captured the attention and concern of people across the country,” said Erin Rank. “But Habitat understands long-term recovery requires sustained action even after the headlines fade.” Explaining the importance of communities coming together to assist in times of need.
Councilwoman Traci Park thanked volunteers for their generosity and emphasizing that it is efforts such as this that keep the Palisades community resilient amidst uncertainty.
“Recovery is a marathon, not a moment. While the headlines may have faded, recovery is still far from over for thousands of families impacted by the wildfire. The Palisades fire burned more than 23,000 acres, destroyed nearly 7,000 structures, and left entire communities forever changed. Families continue to face rising construction costs, insurance gaps, financial uncertainty, and the overwhelming challenge of rebuilding their lives,” the Habitat For Humanity LA website states.
