In the coming months, the keys to the first homes built to replace those lost in the Palisades and Altadena Fires will likely be handed over to homeowners, thanks to a partnership between Steadfast LA and prefab housing company Samara. Samara, the Redwood City, California–based company co-founded by Airbnb’s Joe Gebbia, is known for its prefab homes. Now, through a nonprofit initiative with Steadfast LA and a $15 million commitment from Gebbia (including a $10 million matching pledge), the company will provide over 60 free homes for wildfire survivors, starting this fall.
Samara
“These are people who have lived in these neighborhoods for decades,” says Steadfast LA founder Rick Caruso. “They’re underinsured, and now they’ve lost everything. This is about giving them a realistic path to return.”
Samara
Built in a factory over five to six months and installable in just weeks, each unit is designed to withstand California’s toughest conditions. Framed in light-gauge steel, clad in Class 1–rated fiber cement and steel siding, and topped with a fire-resistant standing seam metal roof, these homes meet the state’s rigorous Wildland-Urban Interface codes. Tempered dual-pane windows and fire-resistant underlayment add further protection.
Samara
“We started Samara to build housing that solves real problems,” says CEO Mike McNamara. “These homes are fully electric, incredibly energy-efficient, and they’re built for the new climate reality. Rebuilding with traditional construction in L.A. right now is going to be slow and expensive. Prefab is the fastest, smartest solution.”
The homes are prioritized for low-income homeowners who want to rebuild on their land but face steep insurance shortfalls and construction hurdles. Initial units are expected to be placed beginning in Q4 this year.
Samara
With more funding, the program can scale beyond the first 50 to 60 homes. “This isn’t just a temporary fix,” McNamara adds. “We’re building beautiful, permanent homes for people who deserve them.” Fundraising efforts continue, and the more money that’s raised means more homes can go to those in need. To donate to the program or learn more, visit steadfastla.com or samara.com.
