James Hardie Partners with Habitat for Humanity to Rebuild Communities After California Wildfires

When the Eaton fire swept through Altadena, California in January 2025, it left a trail of destruction that displaced thousands of families and destroyed countless homes. For a community already facing the challenges of California’s ongoing housing crisis, the loss was devastating. But out of the ashes, partnerships are forming to rebuild not just structures, but hope. James Hardie, a leading manufacturer of fiber cement siding and building materials, has joined forces with San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity to help families return home with homes designed to withstand future disasters.

The Eaton Fire’s devastating impact on Altadena

The Eaton Fire was one of several catastrophic wildfires that struck Southern California in early 2025. Altadena, a community in Los Angeles County known for its diverse neighborhoods and proximity to the San Gabriel Mountains, was particularly hard hit. The fire destroyed thousands of homes and displaced families who had lived in the community for generations.

For many residents, the path forward seemed uncertain. California’s housing market was already challenging before the fires, with high costs and limited inventory making it difficult for displaced families to find new homes. Insurance complications and the sheer scale of destruction meant that rebuilding would take years without significant support.

This is where corporate partnerships become critical. When natural disasters strike at this scale, government resources alone are often insufficient. The collaboration between private companies and nonprofit organizations can accelerate recovery and ensure that families don’t face years of displacement while waiting for their communities to rebuild.

A partnership built on resilience

In April 2026, James Hardie announced its commitment to support San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity’s rebuilding efforts. The partnership focuses on the first 25 households impacted by the Eaton Fire, providing them with a pathway back to their community.

The timing holds special significance. Habitat for Humanity International is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, marking five decades of bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope. James Hardie has been a multi-year corporate sponsor of Habitat for Humanity, and this initiative extends that relationship into one of the most critical disaster recovery efforts in recent California history.

The partnership reached a major milestone on March 27, 2026, when SGV Habitat and James Hardie celebrated the completion of the first homes in the rebuilding effort. For the families moving back into their community, this milestone represents far more than new construction. It represents stability, security, and the chance to reclaim their lives after devastating loss.

Molly Ernst-Alper, Global Director of Social Impact at James Hardie, captured the company’s commitment: “We strive to positively impact the communities where we operate, particularly when people and families are impacted by natural disasters. Our priority is to show up with our products, time, and financial resources to rebuild in partnership with local organizations.”

Fire-resistant materials taking center stage

What makes this partnership particularly significant is the focus on resilience. James Hardie isn’t just donating building materials. They’re donating some of the most fire-resistant products available on the market today.

The donation includes:

• Hardie fiber cement siding – Non-combustible siding with a Class A fire rating when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 standards

• TimberTech decking – Top-rated fire-resistant composite decking materials

• AZEK trim and fascia products – Fire-resistant exterior trim components

For homeowners in wildfire-prone areas, material selection matters enormously. Traditional wood siding can ignite when exposed to embers or direct flame, turning a home into a fuel source during a wildfire. Fiber cement siding, by contrast, is non-combustible. It won’t ignite when exposed to direct flame or floating embers, which are responsible for the majority of homes lost in wildfires.

The homes being built through this partnership use a pre-approved Foothill Catalog design, specifically developed for post-wildfire rebuilding. These designs prioritize both faster construction timelines and improved resilience against future fire events. For families who have already lost everything once, this extra layer of protection provides peace of mind that their new homes are built to withstand the threats their region faces.

Amanda Cimaglia, Vice President of Global Sustainability at James Hardie, explained the philosophy behind the product selection: “Our portfolio of resilient products is purposely designed and engineered to stand up to the harshest elements. A home is more than a structure. It’s a place of refuge, stability and belonging. As extreme weather events become more frequent, a home’s exterior is its first line of defense.”

More than homes: Restoring hope and stability

Habitat for Humanity has built a reputation over its 50-year history for helping communities recover from disasters. From hurricanes on the Gulf Coast to floods in the Midwest to wildfires in the West, Habitat’s model of bringing together volunteers, donors, and partners has proven effective at accelerating recovery.

But the organization’s mission extends beyond construction. Habitat is committed to ensuring that families, particularly those most vulnerable, have a secure and affordable place to call home. This means not just building houses, but building community and restoring the social fabric that disasters tear apart.

Bryan Wong, Chief Executive Officer of SGV Habitat, articulated this broader vision: “We’ve said from the start that this is not just about rebuilding homes. It’s about restoring hope, stability and a future. We’re making strong progress to help this community move forward after devastating loss.”

For the families receiving these homes, the impact goes far beyond having a roof over their heads. It means children can return to their schools. It means neighbors can support each other again. It means a community can begin to heal.

Lessons for homeowners in wildfire zones

While most homeowners won’t have access to corporate donation programs, there are valuable lessons to take from this partnership for anyone building or rebuilding in wildfire-prone areas.

Material selection matters. The difference between combustible and non-combustible exterior materials can mean the difference between a home that survives a wildfire and one that doesn’t. Fiber cement siding, metal roofing, and fire-resistant decking materials are investments in long-term resilience.

Defensible space is essential. Building materials are just one component of wildfire resilience. Creating defensible space around homes by clearing vegetation, using non-combustible landscaping materials, and maintaining proper setbacks from trees and brush significantly reduces fire risk.

Building codes have evolved. California has updated building codes in fire-prone areas to require more fire-resistant construction. Homeowners rebuilding after fires should work with contractors who understand these requirements and can ensure compliance.

Insurance considerations are critical. Standard homeowners insurance policies may not fully cover the cost of rebuilding with modern, fire-resistant materials. Homeowners should review their coverage and consider whether additional protection is warranted.

Resources like Cal Fire’s wildfire preparedness website provide detailed guidance for homeowners looking to protect their properties.

Building a more resilient future together

The partnership between James Hardie and Habitat for Humanity represents a model for how corporate and nonprofit collaboration can accelerate disaster recovery. By combining James Hardie’s materials expertise with Habitat’s community-building experience, the initiative delivers both immediate relief and long-term resilience.

This model has broader implications for how communities prepare for and respond to natural disasters. As climate change increases the frequency and severity of wildfires, floods, and storms, partnerships like this one will become increasingly important.

For homeowners watching from other fire-prone regions, this initiative demonstrates what’s possible when communities come together with the right resources and expertise. It shows that rebuilding after disaster doesn’t have to mean returning to the same vulnerabilities that existed before.

The 25 homes being built in Altadena are just the beginning. James Hardie has indicated this is part of a multi-year effort, suggesting that the partnership will continue to support additional families as the recovery process continues. For a community that lost so much, this sustained commitment provides a foundation for genuine healing and renewal.

Homeowners interested in learning more about fire-resistant building materials or exploring options for their own properties can visit James Hardie’s website for product information and resources. Those looking to support Habitat for Humanity’s disaster recovery efforts can find volunteer and donation opportunities through Habitat for Humanity International.