Sep. 9, 2026

Recovery after a wildfire is a long process, often involving far more than rebuilding a structure. Before construction can begin, homeowners must clear debris, restore their properties and prepare for the work ahead.

On July 31, SoCalGas employees volunteered alongside Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles as part of ReBUILD LA, helping a Malibu homeowner move one step closer to rebuilding the home she lost in the Palisades Fire.

The volunteer effort focused on clearing brush, vegetation and overgrowth from the property, helping prepare the site for future rebuilding work while also reducing potential wildfire fuel around the home.

Preparing the Ground for What Comes Next
For Layla Hawkins, the day represented another step in a recovery journey that has been marked by loss, uncertainty and perseverance.

After losing her home in the Palisades Fire, she has spent months navigating the many challenges that come with rebuilding. Prior to the fire, she also experienced the loss of her husband, making the road back even more difficult.

Seeing dozens of volunteers arrive ready to help made a meaningful difference.

"After everything that's happened, there have been days when rebuilding felt overwhelming. Having people show up and dedicate their time to help prepare my property for what's ahead reminds me that I'm not going through this alone. Every bit of progress matters, and today made me feel hopeful about the future,” said Layla Hawkins.

Throughout the day, volunteers worked side by side clearing vegetation and brush from the property, creating defensible space that can help reduce future wildfire risk while preparing the site for the next phase of rebuilding.

A Personal Understanding of Recovery
Among the volunteers was Brian Prusnek, SoCalGas director of customer services and a board member of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles.

The project carried particular significance for Brian, who also lost his home in the Eaton Fire last year.

"Losing a home changes your perspective on what recovery really means. It's not just about rebuilding a structure. It's about navigating a process that can feel overwhelming at times. Having gone through that myself, I understand how much it means when people step up to help. Today's work may seem simple, but it's an important step in helping this homeowner move forward,” said Brian.

Brian said the volunteer day was a reminder that recovery often happens through small but meaningful actions that help homeowners make tangible progress toward rebuilding.

The Malibu volunteer project reflects one way SoCalGas is supporting communities recovering from recent wildfires. Beyond volunteer efforts, the company continues working with customers throughout the rebuilding process, helping restore service and providing resources to support recovery.

Supporting Recovery Across Southern California 
The volunteer event reflects SoCalGas' broader commitment to helping wildfire-impacted customers recover and rebuild.

To date, SoCalGas has restored natural gas service to more than 16,000 customers in the Eaton and Palisades fire areas and continues supporting customers as they return to assess, repair and rebuild their properties.

In addition, SoCalGas is offering enhanced energy-efficiency rebates and incentives for wildfire-impacted customers, helping residents rebuild with more energy-efficient equipment and technologies as they return to their communities.

Community Support in Action
Habitat for Humanity's ReBUILD LA initiative brings together volunteers, community organizations and local partners to support wildfire survivors throughout the rebuilding process.

For Habitat, efforts like the Malibu project are about helping families move forward while strengthening the resilience of communities affected by disaster.

"“Recovery does not happen all at once. It happens one project, one volunteer build day, and one meaningful milestone at a time. The support of volunteers like the SoCalGas team helps homeowners complete critical work, move closer to rebuilding, and ultimately return home to safer, more resilient communities,” said Erin Rank, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles.

While rebuilding remains a work in progress, the day marked an important milestone on a property that has already endured so much. With the site now better prepared for future construction and wildfire resilience, attention can begin turning to the next chapter in the journey to rebuild and return home.

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