Volunteers complete framing phase of first Habitat for Humanity Altadena rebuild

Just a few days ago, the home of longtime Altadena residents Kenneth and Carol Wood was just a foundation on a dirt lot. On Saturday, Oct. 18, after a team of San Gabriel Valley Habitat For Humanity volunteers descended on the property, located near Altadena Drive and Fair Oaks Avenue, a new home is beginning to take shape.

Volunteers began Thursday working with a construction team to set up pre-built walls, install the roof framing and plywood sheeting on the walls. The home is one of 25 in Altadena that Habitat For Humanity will be building for fire survivors over the next 12 months with the goal of many more to come.

About 60 volunteers will be needed a day to help rebuild the Wood family home on schedule.

Ray Vasquez, a Bank of America senior vice president, was one of about 20 volunteers from local Bank of America branches on hand Saturday to help complete the framing phase. Habitat’s goal is to have the Wood family in their new home for the upcoming holiday season.

Vasquez and his family have lived in Altadena for nine years. Their home survived the fire but they evacuated and lived with family in Arcadia for about three months while remediation took place.

“We in essence won the lottery by our house still being there,” Vasquez said. “We have dozens and dozens of friends who live in Altadena that unfortunately lost their homes so we know the pain and suffering is deep and real.”

Vasquez has previously volunteered on Habitat builds in Glendale and Pasadena cutting wood, hammering beams and painting.

“You really form that community,” Vasquez said. “We come together in times of need like this and it really helps us to realize that we are part of a greater community.”