Rick Caruso, founder of Steadfast LA, leads efforts to rebuild wildfire-affected communities in Los Angeles through innovative private-sector solutions. Asian Journal file photo
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – February 19, 2025 – Steadfast LA, a nonprofit organization founded by Rick Caruso to accelerate Los Angeles’ rebuilding efforts, has announced its first major initiative in partnership with California-based housing company Samara. The initiative aims to provide high-quality, factory-built homes for wildfire survivors who are unable to relocate or whose insurance will not cover the cost of rebuilding.
As part of this effort, Airbnb and Samara co-founder Joe Gebbia has pledged to donate $15 million to the initiative, including an initial $5 million and a commitment to match an additional $10 million in major donations. The Caruso Family Foundation is also contributing initial funding.
This project falls under Steadfast LA’s “Rebuilding” pillar, focusing on expanding housing choices for low-income homeowners in Altadena and the Pacific Palisades who have lost their homes to wildfires and lack the financial means to rebuild. The homes will be fully funded by the newly established Steadfast LA Foundation, which will facilitate donations to support wildfire recovery efforts.
A New Path to Rebuilding
Samara will construct these homes at no profit, ensuring that eligible wildfire survivors can remain in their communities without financial burden. The organization plans to collaborate with an independent partner to oversee the eligibility, building, and installation process for affected homeowners. The details of this collaboration will be announced in the coming weeks.
Prefabricated construction plays a critical role in expediting Los Angeles’ rebuilding process. Samara’s high-quality homes are built in a factory in approximately five to six months and can be installed on-site in just a few weeks. Steadfast LA will work closely with city and state officials to fast-track permitting and regulatory approvals, ensuring that homeowners can return to their properties as quickly as possible.
Community Support and Future Efforts
Rick Caruso emphasized the importance of keeping communities intact, stating, “Many of the people struggling the most right now have lived in these neighborhoods for decades. They built their homes years ago, they’re underinsured or lack insurance, and now they’ve lost everything. This initiative gives them a realistic way to stay on their properties and rebuild their lives.”
Joe Gebbia echoed this sentiment, saying, “Our hearts go out to all the individuals, families, and communities impacted by these destructive wildfires. We want to help them get back home.”
Steadfast LA is inviting other modular home companies to join the initiative and provide additional housing solutions for wildfire victims. Reports indicate that rebuilding costs will significantly exceed available insurance coverage, making this effort essential for many homeowners.
Samara co-founder and CEO Mike McNamara added, “The construction environment in Los Angeles is going to be tough. Labor and material prices will rise, and people will face longer rebuild timelines. Our factory-built homes avoid these challenges and help families return home faster.”
Steadfast LA encourages individuals interested in the initiative to visit www.steadfastla.com for more information, to submit their details, and to read the initiative’s FAQs. This marks the beginning of Steadfast LA’s ongoing commitment to raising funds, creating private-sector partnerships, and executing solutions that help wildfire-affected families rebuild and recover.
About Steadfast LA
Founded by Rick Caruso, Steadfast LA is a civic nonprofit dedicated to rebuilding Los Angeles after the devastating January 2025 wildfires. The organization unites Angelenos in a shared mission to revitalize communities in Altadena, Malibu, Pasadena, and the Pacific Palisades. By leveraging private-sector expertise and innovation, Steadfast LA is committed to accelerating the rebuilding process efficiently and effectively. For more information, visit www.steadfastla.com and follow their efforts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
About Samara
