Before the Eaton Fire, Black Homeownership in Altadena Was 81%

PublishedJanuary 27, 2025

Altadena, California–Altadena is a community rich in history, especially within its African American population, who have made significant strides in homeownership, despite challenges like systemic racism and historical exclusion. Their achievement in homeownership reflects a long history of perseverance, community organizing, and the use of strategic policies that enabled many families to secure property in a region where it’s often difficult for people of color to own land.

81% of Black residents in Altadena own their homes—almost double the national average for Black Americans.

Altadena, a predominantly residential area in Los Angeles County, has long been a haven for African Americans, especially in the mid-20th century. After World War II, when Black families faced intense discrimination in housing markets across the country, places like Altadena offered more opportunities for Black Americans to purchase homes.

The area’s relative proximity to Los Angeles, combined with a less restrictive zoning system, meant that many Black professionals and families could invest in homes when other parts of the county were still closed off due to discriminatory practices like redlining.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Altadena saw a large influx of African American families seeking to escape the systemic racism that was prevalent in other parts of Los Angeles.

Altadena offered affordable housing, good schools, and a supportive community that was both welcoming and diverse. Throughout these years, there was also significant activism aimed at securing better housing rights, a factor that contributed to higher Black homeownership rates.

A combination of factors—like local organizations, proactive measures, and a strong sense of community—helped Black families build generational wealth through homeownership. Though the national average for Black homeownership hovers around 44%, Altadena stands out with 81% of its African American residents owning their homes. This exceptional figure is not just a statistical outlier; it’s a reflection of a dedicated local history that has prioritized access to homeownership and economic mobility.

Despite the positive trends in homeownership, these achievements are not without their challenges. Many of Altadena’s Black homeowners are older individuals who may have inherited their homes or purchased them decades ago. These residents are often seniors who have invested years of hard work to secure properties and build wealth. However, navigating the complexities of homeownership, including the maintenance of older properties, affordability, and property taxes, can be difficult.

One of the most devastating events for Altadena’s Black residents has been the Eaton Fire, which swept through the area and destroyed more than 5,000 structures. This fire heavily impacted many long-time homeowners, particularly older African American families who had planned to pass down their homes to the next generation.

These homes often held significant sentimental and financial value, and their loss represents more than just the destruction of property—it is a loss of generational wealth that many Black families have worked hard to accumulate over decades.

For Black seniors in Altadena, many of whom are on fixed incomes, the aftermath of the Eaton Fire has presented a new set of obstacles. The insurance process, which is notoriously complex and often discriminatory, is even more treacherous for communities of color. Seniors who had hoped to pass down property to their children or grandchildren are now faced with navigating a slow and often uncooperative insurance system.

The insurance process is notoriously difficult for Black homeowners, who have historically been underinsured or undervalued by insurance companies, particularly in areas with a significant Black population. The damage caused by the fire is not only structural but emotional and financial, as it disrupts the plans of those hoping to leave a legacy for future generations.

The insurance claims process for Altadena’s fire victims, particularly for African American seniors, may be challenging. Insurance companies often undervalue property in Black communities, making it harder for policyholders to receive adequate compensation for the total loss of their property. Moreover, given the rapidly changing real estate market, rebuilding a home to the same standards or with the same value can be a major financial burden.

For many seniors in Altadena, the fire has forced them to navigate the complicated terrain of insurance claims, potentially taking years to resolve. The delayed payments or inadequate compensation can further push families into financial uncertainty, especially if they were already facing challenges such as rising property taxes and limited access to affordable healthcare.

While the insurance issues remain a significant hurdle, there have been local efforts to support Altadena’s Black homeowners, especially seniors. Local organizations, community leaders, and activists are working to provide resources for homeowners who need help with insurance claims or rebuilding. These groups are pushing to protect homeowners in historically underserved communities and advocating for fairer insurance practices.

Despite the challenges posed by the Eaton Fire and ongoing systemic issues related to insurance, the African American community in Altadena remains resilient.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Los Angeles County mutual aid groups, including Community Aid Dena, AFROPUNK, WalkGood LA, and more, GoFundMe.org is set to provide direct financial assistance through a newly accessible funding spreadsheet. These resources will support community-based nonprofits and local initiatives, with grants considered based on available funding. GoFundMe.org is dedicated to ensuring a fast, fair, and equitable distribution of funds to support the Black community in Los Angeles.

Donate Here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-rebuild-lives-after-los-angeles-wildfires