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In Altadena, nonprofits are stepping in to prevent gentrification after the Eaton fire destroyed thousands of homes in January. Many middle-class residents, like Eshele Williams, face challenges in rebuilding. Williams, a therapist and consultant, lived in a historic Janes Village cottage for nearly 17 years before it was destroyed. Her landlord offered her the burned lot for $565,000 in cash, but she couldn't afford it.
Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County stepped in, purchasing the lot and plan to build a new home for Williams at an affordable price. Lori Gay, the organization's chief executive, explained that they, along with other nonprofits, aim to acquire burned properties, build homes, and sell them at prices locals can afford.
The fire has raised concerns about gentrification as developers buy properties and build expensive homes, threatening Altadena's architectural, racial, and economic diversity. The Greenline Housing Foundation in Pasadena is also working to combat this trend. The foundation has purchased lots and plans to sell them below market price to local residents, particularly focusing on displaced Black and Hispanic homeowners.
Jasmin Shupper, Greenline's founder, emphasized the importance of keeping land out of speculative markets to preserve the community's fabric. Despite the challenges, these nonprofits are committed to restoring Altadena and preventing a loss of its longstanding Black community, which has already been affected by gentrification and the fire.
The urgency is high, as many properties have already been sold to developers. Nonprofits are racing against time to secure more lots and ensure that Altadena remains in the hands of its community members.