The path to recovery is paved with more than just concrete and permits; it is built on the strength of neighbors determined to return to the place they call home. This coming Monday, a special tour will offer a rare, intimate look at the ongoing rebuilding process for families affected by the 2025 Eaton Wildfires.
On June 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:40 a.m., the Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County (NHS), the Southern California National Organization of Minority Architects (SoCal NOMA), and the Restore the Legacy Los Angeles (RLA) Coalition will host the Rebuilding & Recovery Tour. The event begins at 2840 Highview in Altadena, inviting community members to witness the equitable pathways residents are taking to restore their properties and preserve their deep-rooted cultural heritage.
A Legacy Rebuilt Site by Site
The tour highlights the stories of survivors who refuse to let tragedy define their future. Among them is 89-year-old US Army Veteran Roosevelt Pullem, who is working to rebuild the home he lost. He reflects a common sentiment among his neighbors, stating, “I have no idea how long it takes for this process, or this project, to be finished, but I plan to see it to the end.”
The itinerary showcases the collective effort to bring families back to Altadena:
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10:00 a.m.: Tour start at Roosevelt Pullem’s home, 2840 Highview.
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10:20 a.m.: NHS Future Development site, 2980 Emerson Way.
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10:25 a.m.: Visit with Dr. Ellyn Williams, 323 Crosby Street.
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10:35 a.m.: Visit with Dr. Eshelle Williams, 3199 Grandeur Avenue.
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10:45 a.m.: Errol and Nina Adams’ residence, 3217 Olive Avenue.
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10:55 a.m.: Matilda Williams’ home, 3232 N. Olive Avenue.
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11:00 a.m.: Aldra and Hubert Allison’s property, 396 Alta Pine Drive.
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11:10 a.m.: Howard and Vickie Rose’s residence, 186 Laurel Drive.
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11:20 a.m.: Kim and Corey Gilliam’s site, 215 West Palm Street.
Turning Displacement Into Strength
The tour is more than a series of construction stops; it is a testament to the power of community coalitions. Families like the Williamses, who faced immense loss, are rebuilding with help from grants, family support, and technical guidance from NHS.
Dr. Eshelle Williams, who now owns the home she once rented, captures the spirit of the day: “As a homeowner in Altadena, I can plant roots and continue the legacy that my mother and my grandmother and my father started.” By providing HUD-certified counseling and project management, the RLA Coalition is ensuring that these families aren’t just rebuilding structures, they are securing intergenerational wealth for their children.
Following the tour, participants are invited to return to Roosevelt Pullem’s home at 11:40 a.m. for lunch and a chance to converse with the survivors, architects, and advocates leading these recovery efforts.
Space is limited for this meaningful community event. To RSVP, please email [email protected] or contact Lori Gay or Amy Stoltenberg at 213-381-2862, extension 202. Come witness how our neighbors are restoring the love and legacy of Altadena.
