ReBUILDLA™ First Fire Relief Distribution
Brings Hope to 500+ Families
ReBUILDLA™ successfully hosted its first official fire relief distribution event, bringing vital aid to more than 500 families impacted by recent wildfires The event, a collaborative effort between San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity (SGV Habitat), Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (Habitat GLA), and Sit 'n Sleep, provided much-needed support to survivors as they begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
Households that completed the Relief Assistance Form and RSVP’d received essential supplies, including brand-new mattresses generously donated by Sit 'n Sleep. In addition to mattresses, attendees took home air purifiers, ReStore vouchers, sheets, pillows, and other crucial household items aimed at helping them recover and rebuild.
The dedicated teams from SGV Habitat and Habitat GLA worked tirelessly throughout the day to ensure the event ran smoothly, providing families with the support they needed. The event concluded with a surprise visit from Bob, the beloved Minion.
ReBUILDLA™ remains committed to providing ongoing relief and long-term rebuilding efforts for wildfire survivors. To learn more about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, or ways to contribute, visit sgvhabitat.org or follow us on social media @sgvhabitat.
“It was incredibly moving to witness the gratitude and relief on the faces of those we served,” said Miriam Garcia, Director of Retail Operations “The Sit 'n Sleep Distribution Event was a huge success! Seeing the smiles on everyone's faces as they drove away with items that many of us take for granted was both emotional and joyous It was a powerful reminder of the impact we can make as a community ”
Left to right: SGV Habitat CEO Bryan Wong; Sit ‘n Sleep President and CEO Larry Miller; Habitat LA President and CEO Erin Rank; Sit ‘n Sleep Director of Marketing Drew Miller.
Volunteer Spotlight: A Record-Breaking March!
March was a milestone month for SGV Habitat, and it’s all thanks to YOU our incredible volunteers! Together, you showed up in a big way:
Construction Volunteers
349 Volunteers | 4,171 Hours
ReStore Volunteers
180 Volunteers | 3,086 hours
Office & Hospitality Volunteers
36 Volunteers | 473 hours
Special Events Volunteers
104 Volunteers | 401 hours
That’s over 8,000 hours of donated time, energy, and heart in just one month!
Every hour spent building, sorting, organizing, welcoming, and supporting has helped us move closer to our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live Your efforts have made homes safer, communities stronger, and hope more tangible for local families
Want to Be Part of the Impact?
There’s a place for everyone at SGV Habitat whether you’re swinging a hammer, greeting guests, or lending a hand at the ReStore. Volunteers are the heartbeat of our mission, and we’d love for you to join this incredible movement
Let’s keep building together—for homes, for hope, and for a stronger San Gabriel Valley. Sign up to volunteer at: sgvhabitat.org/volunteer
A New Beginning in El Sereno: Emille’s Journey to Homeownership
When Emille learned about the El Sereno houses, she applied without hesitation Being selected was an overwhelming moment of excitement Having grown up in El Sereno, the opportunity to remain in the community she loves meant everything “The homes were right in the neighborhood I grew up in I’m rooted in El Sereno ”
Through SGV Habitat, Emille not only bought a home but also played an active role in building it. “It’s rewarding to know you’re helping another homeowner.” Alongside her partner and children, she completed Sweat Equity hours, working on her own home and others while appreciating the support of volunteers. “The construction team and volunteers are so welcoming and always ready to help ”
Now, as she prepares to move in, she looks forward to family gatherings, baking with her grandson, and planting in her backyard “I can’t wait to grow vegetables I’m definitely planting a blueberry bush ” Thanks to SGV Habitat, she is ready to begin this
chapter.
Women ReBuild: A Movement of Strength, Solidarity, and Recovery
This year, SGV Habitat’s signature Women Build event took on a powerful new name and mission: Women ReBuild a bold response to the devastation caused by the Eaton Fire, which destroyed more than 9,000 structures in our region
For years, Women Build has empowered women and their allies to develop hands-on construction skills while building safe, affordable homes In Los Angeles County, where single mothers and elderly women are among the most rentburdened residents, the need has never been greater.
Now, through Women ReBuild, we’re not just building—we’re restoring homes and hope alongside our neighbors in Altadena. We’re halfway through, and the impact is already inspiring.
Huge thanks to our amazing community of supporters, including:
Title Sponsor: East West Bank
Foundation Sponsor: C.W. Driver, Vons/Pavilions Foundation
Wall Raiser Sponsors: MuteSix/Lunar Solar, US Bank
Builder Sponsors: IBEW Local 11, SoCal Edison, DPR Construction, Holliday Rock JP Morgan Chase and New OmniBank urc
From left to right: Volunteers from So Cal Edison (left), volunteers from DPR (center) and volunteer from US Bank and future Homeowner Maria all work collectively to make a difference in El Sereno.
Restoring Hope: Patrick’s Journey After the Eaton Fires
When the Eaton Fires devastated communities across the San Gabriel Valley, Patrick and his family were among those hit hardest. A property that had provided half their household income was destroyed, and their home suffered severe roof and ash damage, forcing them to relocate.
The challenges didn’t stop there. Patrick’s sister-in-law and her family also lost their home in the fires. With nowhere else to turn, they moved in with Patrick bringing her husband and their three young boys, ages 8, 6, and 5. Suddenly, one home was holding two families, and resources were stretched thin.
In the midst of this overwhelming time, Patrick was connected to the SGV ReStore. What he found wasn’t just furniture or household goods it was compassion, dignity, and hope.
One of the most meaningful moments came when the ReStore provided beds for the three boys The family’s living room was transformed into a safe, comfortable space After weeks of
instability, the children’s fear and confusion gave way to excitement and smiles. That small change made a world of difference.
“The ReStore became a vital part of our recovery,” Patrick shared “I really don’t know what we would’ve done without the affordability and availability of those items We would have been scrambling for weeks ”
Patrick’s experience opened his eyes to the vital role Habitat for Humanity plays not just in building homes, but in supporting families during moments of crisis. The ReStore, in particular, proved to be a lifeline—providing practical support that helped his family begin the process of rebuilding, both physically and emotionally.
To those who donate or shop at the ReStore, Patrick offers his heartfelt thanks. “You may never meet the families you’re helping, but you’re making a real impact. Every lamp, every set of dishes, every piece of furniture those aren’t just things They become part of someone’s new beginning ”
The ReStore continues to be a place where community members can find help, hope, and the chance to start again Patrick’s story is just one of many but it’s a powerful reminder that recovery takes more than rebuilding walls It takes compassion, generosity, and the unwavering support of a community