In its latest effort to support Altadena’s recovery from the Eaton Fire, the Altadena Builds Back Foundation (ABBF) announces a new $500,000 grant to The Change Reaction to support remediation and repair services for Eaton Fire survivors in Altadena. This grant, which will bring 20 displaced Altadena families back home, was made possible with the proceeds from A Concert for Altadena. Held on the one-year anniversary of the Eaton Fire, the concert brought community members together in remembrance and raised funds to support ABBF’s housing recovery efforts.
Remediation is a key and costly barrier preventing many Altadena community members from returning to their standing homes in the Eaton Fire zone. According to a January 2026 report released by the Department of Angels, about one in five survivors with standing homes has not been able to have their homes tested for contaminants. Of homes that have been tested, 70% have contaminants at unacceptable levels.
ABBF’s partner in this project, The Change Reaction, is taking the impact of these proceeds even further, having secured a dollar-for-dollar match that doubles ABBF’s $500,000 grant and brings the total funding amount to $1 million. The funding will help alleviate the financial burden for at least 20 families experiencing economic hardship, enabling them a safer return to their homes.*
“For many fire survivors whose homes are still standing, the hardest part isn’t rebuilding, it’s managing the remediation and repair costs that insurance hasn’t covered and often won’t,” said Wade Trimmer, President of The Change Reaction. “Through the support we’ve provided to more than 1,500 households impacted by the Eaton and Palisades Fires, we’ve been able to identify families whose homes can be made safe again but who simply cannot close the financial gap. This funding helps them complete critical repairs so they can return home and begin moving forward.”
Aaron, a fire survivor and teacher at Pasadena’s John Muir High School, shared, “The last year has been devastating, to say the least. I’m blown away by how The Change Reaction has assisted my entire family. This grant really shows how we’re all in this together. I’ve lived in Altadena my whole life, so finally being able to return to my home gives me such a sense of safety and relief.”
“ABBF is grateful to the concert organizers, especially Taylor Goldsmith and Eric Krasno, and to The Change Reaction for leveraging this grant to maximize community impact and help Altadena families return home safely,” said Jennifer DeVoll, Executive Director, Altadena Builds Back Foundation.
“Altadena is our home. These fires hit us and our neighbors really hard, and we wanted to use music to help bring the community together and remind ourselves how resilient and committed we all are to this town,” said Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes.
Eric Krasno agrees, noting, “I have seen firsthand how music can mobilize people for good, and this concert brought together artists, fans, and neighbors for something bigger than all of us: recovery, hope, and rebuilding. We are thrilled that the proceeds will directly help families get back to their homes.”
Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes performs with fellow musicians at A Concert for Altadena on January 7, 2026. Proceeds from the concert will be used for remediation and repair grants in partnership with The Change Reaction. Photo by Nikki Phillips.
ABBF is committed to the long-term recovery of housing in Altadena and will continue to prioritize immediate efforts to preserve affordability and keep the community accessible for those who wish to return.
*The Change Reaction has identified and selected families who will receive this support in partnership with the Community Clergy Coalition.
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ABOUT ALTADENA BUILDS BACK FOUNDATION: Altadena Builds Back Foundation (ABBF) is a supporting organization based out of the Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF). ABBF is helping drive the long-term recovery of housing in Altadena to make sure displaced residents can continue to live in their community and preserve the diversity, character, and affordability of Altadena. More information.
ABOUT THE CHANGE REACTION: The Change Reaction is a Los Angeles–based direct giving platform that provides financial assistance to hardworking individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. Through a trusted network of nearly 2http://changereaction.org,000 social workers and partnerships with more than 250 nonprofit organizations, The Change Reaction delivers timely support that helps stabilize households and strengthen communities across Los Angeles. More information.
We believe strong communities thrive when philanthropy tackles real needs. To create lasting impact in Greater Pasadena, we focus on six key areas that that drive opportunity, build resilience, and improve well-being.
Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) is proud to announce the establishment of the Altadena Builds Back Foundation (ABBF). This supporting organization of PCF has been formed to focus on the long-term recovery and rebuilding of Altadena, which was disproportionately affected by the Eaton Fire. ABBF has secured $55 million from generous donors to support its efforts. […]
Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) is proud to announce the establishment of the Altadena Builds Back Foundation (ABBF). This supporting organization of PCF has been formed to focus on the long-term recovery and rebuilding of Altadena, which was disproportionately affected by the Eaton Fire. ABBF has secured $55 million from generous donors to support its efforts. […]
