Steadfast LA

What Steadfast LA does

Steadfast LA is a civic nonprofit organization founded in February 2025 by Los Angeles real estate developer Rick Caruso to accelerate rebuilding of communities impacted by the January 2025 wildfires in Altadena, Malibu, Pasadena, and Pacific Palisades. The organization operates a portfolio of programs rather than a single product: the Modular Housing Initiative delivers free factory-built homes (primarily the Samara Backyard XL, 950 sq ft) to uninsured or underinsured survivors through a partnership with Samara, backed by a $15 million commitment from Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia; the Small Business Initiative distributes grants of up to $50,000 to fire-impacted businesses via LiftFund as administering CDFI, seeded by a $1 million donation from Banc of California; the AI Permitting initiative deploys Archistar's eCheck computer-vision and machine-learning tool free of charge to LA City and LA County to compress plan-check timelines from weeks or months to hours or days; the Builders Alliance extends a homebuilder coalition platform; and the Palisades Recreation Center redesign engages Gensler, SWA Group, and Latham & Watkins in a public-private partnership with LA Strong Sports and the City of Los Angeles. Governance runs through a dual-entity structure (a 501(c)(3) Steadfast LA Foundation and a 501(c)(4) operating entity), with day-to-day operations led by Managing Director Nick Geller and Executive Director Najla Kayyem and strategic oversight by a coalition of more than 25 named industry leaders.

Underlying technology combines AI-driven plan-checking (computer vision, ML, automated rulesets for zoning and building-code compliance), modular construction (steel-frame, fiber-cement, double-insulated factory homes meeting California Wildland-Urban Interface codes), and an Archistar-hosted web portal accessed by LA City and LA County applicants. Eligibility, financial verification, and process integrity for the Modular Housing Initiative are handled by HomeAid OCLA, loanDepot, and Armanino respectively, while LiftFund administers SMB grant disbursements and Samara manufactures and installs the modular units.

Revenue mechanics are nonprofit-donor dependent rather than commercial: Steadfast LA receives tax-deductible charitable contributions, philanthropic grants, and matching pledges (Gebbia $15M, Banc of California $1M, Caruso Family Foundation seed, Autodesk, Amazon, LA Rises) and provides all programmatic outputs at no cost to eligible beneficiaries. The economic model is one of fund-raising throughput, in-kind professional services from coalition partners, and downstream coordination value rather than pricing or subscription revenue.

Name

Steadfast LA

Legal name

Steadfast LA

Website

https://steadfastla.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2025

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Steadfast LA is a civic nonprofit founded in 2025 by Rick Caruso to accelerate rebuilding of Los Angeles communities impacted by the January 2025 wildfires, delivering free modular homes, small business grants, AI permitting tools, and redesigned public infrastructure to wildfire survivors and affected businesses in Altadena, Malibu, Pasadena, and Pacific Palisades.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disaster Recovery and Community Rebuilding Services (Nonprofit)

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAGAAAK

Disaster Recovery, Reconstruction & Resilience Programs

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Humanitarian Aid & Disaster Relief

SECONDARYBPAGALAC

Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts)

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Social Enterprises & Impact Organizations

SECONDARYFSALAKAO

Community Development & Neighborhood Revitalization Housing Programs

Financial & Insurance/Mortgage & Housing Finance/Housing Finance Agencies & Government-Sponsored Housing Programs

SECONDARYBPAGAKAM

Environmental & Climate Grantmaking Foundations

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Philanthropy, Foundations & Grantmaking

Keywords

• Disaster recovery services
• Wildfire rebuilding
• Nonprofit coalition
• Modular housing
• AI permit acceleration

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Donations and Grants: As a nonprofit organization, Steadfast LA raises funds through donations and grants to support its rebuilding initiatives. The Steadfast LA Foundation (501(c)(3)) accepts charitable donations to fund initiatives including Modular Housing, Small Business Grants, and the Palisades Recreation Center rebuild. Major donors include Banc of California ($1 million), Joe Gebbia ($15 million), and Caruso Family Foundation.

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Steadfast LA is a civic nonprofit that coordinates a coalition of private-sector leaders to accelerate Los Angeles wildfire rebuilding through four primary programs: (1) the Modular Housing Initiative, which provides free factory-built homes to uninsured or underinsured homeowners via partner Samara; (2) Small Business Grants of up to $50,000 to fire-impacted independent businesses, funded by Banc of California and administered by LiftFund; (3) the AI-powered eCheck permitting tool developed by Archistar, provided free to LA City and County to accelerate building permit approvals; and (4) the Palisades Recreation Center public-private rebuild with LA Strong Sports and the City of Los Angeles.

Product overview

Steadfast LA is a civic nonprofit organization (not a traditional technology company) that offers a portfolio of rebuilding programs and initiatives rather than a unified software product. The core offerings include: the Modular Housing Initiative (providing free factory-built homes via Samara partnership), Small Business Grants (up to $50,000 grants for wildfire-affected businesses), AI Permitting tool (AI-powered eCheck software for automated building code compliance), Builders Alliance (homebuilder coalition with technology platform), Palisades Park Rebuild (public infrastructure project), and Altadena Urban Design Group (community planning initiative). Technology plays an enabling role rather than being the primary product offering. The AI Permitting tool is the main AI-powered technology product, while other initiatives are humanitarian programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Modular Housing Initiative: Program providing free factory-built modular homes to eligible wildfire survivors who lost their homes and lack insurance coverage to rebuild.
• Small Business Initiative
• AI Permitting (eCheck)
• Builders Alliance
• Altadena Steadfast LA Urban Design Group

Products and services

• AI Permitting (eCheck) AI-driven software tool developed by Archistar that enables instant automated checking of building designs against local zoning and building codes for permit approvals. Uses computer vision, machine learning, and automated rulesets to reduce plan-check time from weeks or months to hours or days. Provided free to LA City and County to accelerate LA wildfire rebuilding.
• Modular Housing Initiative Program providing free factory-built modular homes to low-income wildfire survivors in Altadena, Malibu, Pasadena, and Pacific Palisades who lost their homes and lack insurance to rebuild. Delivered through partnership with Samara, with the majority of recipients receiving the Samara Backyard XL two-bedroom, two-bathroom, 950 sq ft model; homes are fire-resistant, meet California's Wildland-Urban Interface codes, and installable in weeks.
• Small Business Grants Direct grant program providing up to $50,000 to small businesses in Altadena, Malibu, Pasadena, and Pacific Palisades impacted by the January 2025 wildfires. Funded by Banc of California's $1 million donation, with grant administration by LiftFund; $525,000 has been disbursed to 13 businesses across two rounds as of November 2025.
• Builders Alliance Nonprofit coalition of homebuilders using technology, collaboration, and shared resources, including an online platform with AI-powered tools, to help Angelenos rebuild homes faster and more affordably after the wildfires.
• Palisades Park Rebuild Public-private partnership to fund, redesign, and rebuild the Palisades Park and Recreation Center in collaboration with LA Strong Sports, the City of Los Angeles, Gensler (architecture), SWA Group (landscape architecture), and Latham & Watkins LLP (legal counsel); early design plans developed with input from local community groups.
• Altadena Steadfast LA Urban Design Group Community design initiative sponsored by Steadfast LA in partnership with Altadena Heritage, seeking to amplify local voices in shaping a more resilient, accessible, and vibrant future for Altadena's public infrastructure.

Quantifiable outcome

• AI permitting tool reduces plan review time from weeks/months to hours/days
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered major and core.

• Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn BargermajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 January 2026Supervisor Kathryn Barger's office helped expedite permitting and coordination for first modular home installation in Altadena. County adapted permitting systems to simplify approvals for modular homes.
• SWA GroupmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 October 2025Landscape architecture firm working with Gensler on Palisades Recreation Center redesign. Co-CEO Gerdo Aquino presented updated designs at community meeting.
• LiftFundcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 11 August 2025Independent nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) administering small business grants. Over 30 years of experience providing financial and technical assistance to small businesses, especially in disaster relief. Deployed $400,000 in emergency grants within days of January wildfires.
• HomeAid OCLAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 May 2025Nonprofit specializing in post-disaster recovery serves as point of contact for eligible modular housing candidates who have completed screening. Guides candidates through the process and assists ineligible candidates in finding alternative resources.
• loanDepotcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 May 2025Nation's leading mortgage provider volunteers expertise to verify candidates' financial need, insurance status, and other eligibility factors for modular housing grants.
• ArmaninocoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 14 May 2025Top national accounting and consulting firm donates services to ensure integrity, fairness, and security of the eligibility screening process for modular housing grants.
• ArchistarcoreTechnology or Integration · 30 April 2025AI technology company developed eCheck permitting tool using computer vision and machine learning to check designs against local zoning and building codes. Already used by 25+ municipalities including Vancouver, Austin, Houston, Seattle. Coalition partner Mike Hopkins and Amazon identified and worked with Archistar.
• Governor Gavin Newsom / State of CaliforniacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2025State of California partnered with tech sector and community leaders to launch AI permitting tool for LA fire recovery. Governor Newsom announced the initiative to help boost local progress.
• City of Los Angeles and LA CountycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2025LA City and LA County committed to using AI permitting tool. LA County passed Board Resolution to establish unified permitting authority for Altadena one-stop recovery center. Mayor Karen Bass signed Executive Directive for AI pilot program.
• LA Strong SportscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 April 2025Public-private partnership with Lakers coach JJ Redick's foundation to fund, redesign, and rebuild the Palisades Recreation Center. Includes Charles and Jenna Jackson and Kylee Kilgore. Coalition working with Gensler (architecture) and Latham & Watkins LLP (legal).
• GenslercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 April 2025Globally renowned architecture and design firm (6,000 professionals, 57 offices) working on Palisades Recreation Center redesign. Andy Cohen, Gensler CEO, serves on Steadfast LA coalition. Delivered award-winning projects like Shanghai Tower and BMO Stadium.
• Latham & Watkins LLPcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 10 April 2025World's leading law firm providing legal counsel on Palisades Recreation Center rebuild. George Mihlsten, Of Counsel, serves on Steadfast LA coalition with experience in real estate, regulatory, and legislative issues.
• SamaracoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 February 2025Partnership to provide free factory-built modular homes for fire survivors who lack insurance coverage. Samara builds homes in 5-6 months in a factory setting. First initiative launched by Steadfast LA. Samara CEO Mike McNamara serves on Steadfast LA coalition.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Habitat for Humanity Greater LA: Nonprofit focused on building affordable housing and rebuilding homes for low-income families in the LA region. Directly comparable to Steadfast LA's Modular Housing Initiative serving wildfire survivors, though operating through volunteer-led traditional construction rather than factory-built modular.
• Rebuilding Together Los Angeles: Nonprofit providing free home repair and rebuilding for low-income homeowners in Southern California, including disaster recovery work. Comparable to Steadfast LA in targeting uninsured/underinsured homeowners in fire-affected LA neighborhoods.
• SBP (formerly St. Bernard Project): National nonprofit focused exclusively on shrinking the time between disaster and recovery through home rebuilding and resilience programs. Closest peer in mission and operating model for Steadfast LA's post-disaster housing recovery work.
• Team Rubicon: Veteran-led nonprofit that deploys rapid disaster response teams, including wildfire recovery operations in California. Comparable civic-coalition model and LA wildfire footprint parallel Steadfast LA's coordinated volunteer/expert deployment.
• All Hands and Hearts: Nonprofit providing disaster relief and long-term recovery, with active California wildfire operations targeting underserved communities. Comparable disaster recovery mission, recipient-vetting model, and home rebuilding focus.
• LA Rises: Philanthropic coalition co-funding Archistar's AI permitting tool deployment for LA wildfire recovery. Directly comparable civic-coalition model addressing LA wildfire recovery with Steadfast LA, and an active funding/operating partner rather than distant peer.
• Enterprise Community Partners: National nonprofit driving affordable housing and community development, including disaster recovery and resilience programs in California. Comparable mission around housing access for low-income communities and post-disaster rebuild.

Broad incumbents

• California Community Foundation: Established statewide philanthropic foundation that has launched wildfire recovery funds (including for the 2025 LA fires). Comparable in donor-advised grantmaking role, but operates across all of California rather than the LA-only focus of Steadfast LA.
• Airbnb.org: Airbnb's nonprofit arm providing free temporary housing for disaster survivors globally, including 2025 LA wildfire evacuees. Comparable disaster-recovery mission with connections to the Caruso/Gebbia LA civic ecosystem.

Regional players

• Pasadena Community Foundation: Local philanthropic foundation operating in Pasadena and Altadena with active wildfire recovery grant programs. Comparable regional disaster-recovery grantmaking focus to Steadfast LA's Small Business Initiative in Pasadena/Altadena.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/steadfastla
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@Steadfast_LA
• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php?id=61572924952274
• Instagraminstagram.com/steadfastla_

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments11 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Steadfast LA