By Christine Baer | Grants Manager
Program Deep Dive Report | May 2026
Dear Friends of All Hands & Hearts,
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, families across Altadena, California continue to face the challenges of recovery and rebuilding. In response, All Hands and Hearts launched a focused recovery initiative designed to help families return home while supporting broader community healing efforts through school revitalization and volunteer engagement.
Working alongside local partners, volunteers, corporate supporters, and community leaders, the Altadena Recovery Program delivered meaningful recovery outcomes through residential rebuilding support and community beautification projects. These efforts not only improved physical spaces but also strengthened community resilience, restored hope, and reinforced a sense of belonging for those impacted by the disaster.
This report highlights the progress and impact of the Altadena Recovery Program through May 2026.
Executive Summary
The California Altadena Recovery Program supported recovery efforts following the devastating Eaton Fire through two interconnected initiatives: residential rebuilding support and community revitalization projects.
In partnership with Hope Crisis Response Network (HCRN), All Hands and Hearts provided skilled volunteer support for rebuilding activities that helped fire-affected families move closer to returning home. Simultaneously, the organization partnered with Odyssey Charter School South, local artists, community organizations, and corporate volunteers to transform a temporary school campus into a welcoming, student-centered environment.
Together, these projects advanced recovery by improving living conditions, restoring community spaces, engaging volunteers, and strengthening local partnerships that will continue to support long-term recovery efforts across Altadena.
Program Overview
The Eaton Fire caused widespread destruction across Altadena, displacing families, damaging homes, and disrupting community infrastructure. Recovery efforts require both physical rebuilding and investments in the community spaces that help families regain stability and connection.
The Altadena Recovery Program was designed around this dual need. By supporting residential construction projects and creating welcoming educational environments, the program addressed both immediate recovery needs and long-term community resilience.
Recovery operations took place throughout April and May 2026 and focused on volunteer-supported construction work, community beautification projects, and partnership development with organizations committed to the long-term recovery of Altadena.
Recovery Impact & Project OutcomesResidential Recovery Support
Through a partnership with Hope Crisis Response Network (HCRN), All Hands and Hearts supported rebuilding efforts for families impacted by the Eaton Fire.
Volunteer-supported recovery work included:
This collaborative model allowed HCRN to focus on site management and construction oversight while leveraging All Hands and Hearts staff and volunteers to accelerate recovery efforts.
Survivor Spotlight: The Basey Family
One of the households supported through the program was the Basey family, an elderly couple with ongoing health complications.
During the Eaton Fire, the family's roof was blown off, and a helicopter water bucket drop flooded the home, creating extensive damage. Since the disaster, the couple has been living with family members and commuting long distances multiple times each week for medical appointments.
Recovery support helped move the family significantly closer to returning home and restoring stability in their daily lives.
Odyssey Charter School South Beautification Project
In May 2026, All Hands and Hearts partnered with Weaver, Odyssey Charter School South, 24LA, local artists, and community organizations to transform a temporary school campus into a more welcoming and student-centered environment.
Over two volunteer days, more than 50 participants completed a wide range of campus improvements benefiting approximately 385 students and 45 teachers and staff members.
Projects included:
For a school community still recovering from the loss of its original campus, these improvements represented more than beautification—they helped create a space where students feel safe, welcome, and connected.
Key Program HighlightsHope Crisis Response Network Partnership
The partnership with HCRN demonstrated the value of combining local construction expertise with All Hands and Hearts' volunteer engagement model.
By providing staff and volunteer support, All Hands and Hearts helped expand HCRN's capacity while allowing recovery projects to move forward more efficiently.
The collaboration also established a replicable model for future partnerships in California and other recovery programs.
Corporate Volunteer Engagement
The program engaged corporate volunteers from Weaver, who traveled from across the country to participate in recovery efforts.
These volunteers worked alongside local artists, community leaders, and school stakeholders to complete large-scale beautification projects while building meaningful connections with the Altadena community.
The project strengthened community partnerships while increasing awareness of recovery needs throughout California.
Community-Centered Recovery
A key success of the program was its emphasis on community-centered recovery.
Rather than focusing solely on physical rebuilding, the program invested in spaces that foster connection, learning, and belonging. This approach helped ensure that recovery efforts generated both practical and emotional benefits for residents, students, and families.
Partnership Development
Strategic partnerships were central to program success.
Key partners included:
These partnerships expanded program capacity, increased visibility for recovery efforts, and strengthened relationships that will continue to support future recovery and resilience initiatives throughout California.
Volunteer Engagement & Community Impact
Volunteer participation was a defining element of the Altadena Recovery Program.
During the reporting period:
Volunteer feedback reflected the meaningful impact of the experience, with participants highlighting both the value of helping families recover and the strong sense of teamwork created throughout the project.
The program achieved a Net Promoter Score of 100%, reflecting exceptionally positive volunteer experiences and engagement.
Best Practices & Lessons LearnedStrong Partnerships Drive Better Outcomes
Close collaboration among schools, vendors, donors, community organizations, and recovery partners ensured successful project delivery.
Early alignment around project goals, expectations, and responsibilities improved coordination and strengthened outcomes.
Communication Matters
Regular planning meetings, site visits, and ongoing communication helped prevent delays and maintain project momentum.
Consistent communication proved especially important when coordinating multiple partners and volunteer groups.
Dedicated Volunteer Support Improves Experience
Clear project leadership, defined scopes of work, and accessible on-site support enabled volunteers to remain productive, engaged, and confident throughout project implementation.
Planning Protects Quality
Early budgeting, vendor preparation, and detailed materials planning helped avoid delays and ensured projects were completed efficiently and to a high standard.
Looking Ahead
Recovery efforts in Altadena continue beyond this initial deployment.
Future priorities include:
These initiatives will help build on existing momentum while supporting long-term community recovery and resilience.
Conclusion
The Altadena Recovery Program demonstrated how collaborative, community-centered recovery efforts can create meaningful and lasting impact. Through residential rebuilding support, school revitalization projects, volunteer engagement, and strong local partnerships, All Hands and Hearts helped families and communities move forward after the Eaton Fire.
While recovery remains ongoing, the program successfully restored critical spaces, strengthened local partnerships, and created opportunities for healing, connection, and resilience. These efforts reflect the organization's continued commitment to supporting communities as they rebuild stronger and more prepared for the future.
By Christine Baer | Grants Manager
By Christine Baer | Grants Manager
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