On Thursday, an Altadena family, who lost their home in the Eaton Fire, received the keys to their new modular home.
The home is one of nine that will be given away to families who lost homes in the Palisades or Eaton fires, thanks to a partnership between Samara Homes and Steadfast L.A., a non-profit created by businessman Rick Caruso.
Rosalina Rodriguez, who got the keys to the new home, talked to KNX News’ Jon Baird about the day she got that phone call from Caruso himself.
“Oh my goodness, I just couldn't believe it when he said Rick Caruso, and it's like, ‘huh?’” she recalled. “And when he said about the house that I had got, you know, I was granted the house, I was so emotional. I was so grateful. I felt blessed and humbled that, you know, such men can just call and say that.”
Caruso told Baird he was also emotional when making those calls.
Want to get caught up on what's happening in SoCal every weekday afternoon? Click to follow The L.A. Local wherever you get podcasts.
“I'd call somebody and introduce myself and I'd say, ‘I understand you lost your home in the fire,’” he said. “And they were all vetted, so we made sure that people were getting a home that really needed a home. I would just say on behalf of Steadfast and the Caruso family in Samara, I want to let you know that we're going to be giving you a home for free. And people would scream of tears and emotions, and I'm an emotional guy, so I'm on the other end of the phone, and I'm crying. My wife walked into my office and said, ‘Oh my God, what are you crying about?’ And I said, ‘Tina, we just gave away another home.’”
Rodriguez said she will be able to move into the home in about two months.
Follow KNX News 97.1 FM
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok