PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Here you will find a brief overview of the program including program location, cost and accommodation details. You will also find information about the disaster that brought All Hands & Hearts to Altadena for the California Wildfire Relief program. Read on to find out more!

Location: We have committed to a one month rebuild program in Altadena, CA from April 26th to May 22nd. 

Cost: Volunteering with All Hands & Hearts is free. We provide accommodation for the duration of your stay and meals on workdays. Keep in mind you will be responsible for the cost of your background check, travel both to and from the program and meals on your day(s) off. 

Work Days: Monday - Friday. Friday's will be half working days. Find more about the type of work you'll do here. 

Off Days: Saturday and Sunday. Find out more about our schedule here. 

Arrival Days: Monday - Friday before 6:00pm

Accommodation: Our program has been based out of an Airbnb, but it is still communal living at its finest! Please expect shared rooms with air mattresses and shared common spaces. The Airbnb has all modern amenities such as washer and dryer and fully furnished kitchen.  Find more detailed information and pictures of our accommodation here.  

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided. Vegetarian diets can be accommodated. Meals are not provided on nonworking days.

WiFi: WiFi is currently available at our base. We also recommend all volunteers have their own data plans. 

Access: Stores and ATM are all available and functioning in the location we’re based. 

Contact: californiawildfirerelief@allhandsandhearts.org 

The Southern California Wildfires began on January 7th, first with the Palisades fire that quickly spread due to an extreme wind event, and then with the Eaton fire that sparked just hours later. Both fires, as well as several additional smaller fires, spread into residential areas due to the Santa Ana winds and incredibly dry conditions. More than 50,000 acres have burned, more than 16,000 structures have been destroyed, 28 people have died, and over 200,000 were under evacuation orders. 

According to a study released in June 2023, California’s summertime burned area has increased fivefold since 1971. The increase is expected to rise – it could grow by another 50 percent by the year 2050. The climate crisis is considered one of the critical drivers of this trend, with high temperatures and droughts causing dry vegetation and dead trees, which are more susceptible to severe wildfires.

All Hands & Hearts (AHAH) is responding to the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles County’s history. We are leading our recovery efforts guided by lessons and expertise gained from previous wildfire responses, where we are prioritizing community needs, collaborating with local partners and committing to long-term recovery.

Driven by the climate crisis, wildfires are increasing in intensity and frequency, and the importance of supporting fire-affected and at-risk communities is clear. Our experience in California has revealed significant challenges for socioeconomically vulnerable homeowners in accessing necessary support for recovery and mitigation projects. Greater nonprofit involvement is essential to address this issue, and our goal to provide wildfire relief in the state, year after year, remains firm. From February 2021 to May 2023, AHAH operated four programs, aiding communities affected by the devastating Camp Fire and North Complex Fire by rebuilding homes and assisting in wildfire mitigation.