Bryan Wong and Robert Lo at SGV Habitat’s 2025 Open House
(Photo by East West Bank)
Robert Lo and Bryan Wong have known each other for years—not just through their shared commitment to affordable housing, but also as friends. Robert, Head of Commercial Real Estate Banking at East West Bank, serves on the board of San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity, one of the Bank’s clients. Bryan, as CEO of SGV Habitat, leads efforts to help families access safe, affordable housing.
Recently, their work took on a new urgency. The devastating Eaton and Palisades wildfires displaced families and destroyed homes—including some built or repaired by SGV Habitat. As the community begins to rebuild, Robert and Bryan discuss the impact of the fires, how Habitat is adapting and how people can help.
Robert Lo: Bryan, these wildfires have been brutal. How did they affect you and the team?
Bryan Wong: I live in Monrovia, near the Eaton Fire, and we were in the evacuation zone for awhile. For three days, we had no power or cell service. My family got lucky—just some minor wind damage—but others weren’t so fortunate.
One of our staff members’ homes survived the flames but is completely unlivable due to severe smoke damage. We also lost a Habitat home that we had just completed a year ago. And beyond that, seven other Habitat home partners who had received critical repairs lost their homes, too.
The fire was unpredictable. It didn’t just move in a straight line—it skipped around, creating pockets of destruction. One side of a street would be gone, while the other was untouched.
Robert Lo: That’s heartbreaking. It really shows how devastating these fires were. Even before this though, housing affordability was already a major issue. What makes Habitat’s approach unique?
Bryan Wong: We are the primary—if not the only—affordable housing builder in the San Gabriel Valley offering homeownership. Our focus is on families earning 80% or less of the area’s median income. But beyond new construction, we also help people stay in their homes through critical repairs.
Ninety percent of our home repair clients are single women over 70, who are living on Social Security. Without Habitat, they’d have no choice but to live in unsafe and/or unsanitary conditions.
We’re also working on major renovation projects, like restoring homes from the Caltrans initiative. These homes were originally purchased by the state for a freeway project that never happened, and we’re now fixing them up and selling them to new first-time homebuyers.
Robert Lo volunteering at SGV Habitat’s 2024 Women Build
(Photo by East West Bank)
Robert Lo: Having volunteered on several Habitat build projects, I know how much hard work goes into the process. What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned from these builds?
Bryan Wong: One big lesson is the importance of being flexible and thinking ahead. I remember a project we worked on together where we had to build walls indoors because of heavy rains. That forced us to rethink our process, and now we’re taking it even further.
We’re planning to build an entire home in a church parking lot, then transport and reassemble it on-site. This method saves time, reduces costs, and allows us to scale up quickly. It’s one of the ways we’re trying to be more efficient as we move forward.
Bryan Wong speaks to East West Bank volunteers at a Women Build event
(Photo by East West Bank)
Robert Lo: That kind of adaptability is key. Do you think the wildfires will change the way you approach building?
Bryan Wong: The Eaton Fire was the second most destructive in California history, and full recovery could take up to 10 years.
Right now, our top priority is making immediate repairs to prevent further damage, especially with the rainy season coming up. We’re also working with the county to streamline permitting for accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
ADUs are small secondary homes that can serve as temporary housing while families rebuild and then later be rented out for additional income. It’s a great way to create long-term affordable housing options.
At the same time, we’re pushing for stronger fire-resistant policies and working to prevent skyrocketing insurance rates from creating an even bigger housing crisis.
Left caption: East West Bank volunteers working at SGV Habitat’s 2024 Women Build.
(Photo by East West Bank)
Right caption: Completed SGV Habitat ADU in Pasadena that East West Bank volunteers helped build.
(Photo courtesy of SGV Habitat)
Robert Lo: What can people do to support SGV Habitat during this recovery?
Bryan Wong: Habitat is in this for the long haul. A lot of groups focus on immediate relief, but rebuilding takes years. That’s why long-term partnerships and support are critical.
One of the biggest challenges is securing building materials. Robert, you introduced us to a hardware store owner through East West Bank, and that connection has been a game changer. Having a stockpile of materials ready before disaster strikes speeds up the rebuilding process.
You also helped connect us with Amity Foundation, which has been incredible. Amity helps people reenter the workforce after incarceration, addiction or homelessness, and they now send up to 20 volunteers per day to our build sites. It’s a win-win—they get job training, and we get much-needed workers.
Robert Lo: Every crisis brings challenges, but do you see any silver linings?
Bryan Wong: Absolutely. This tragedy has brought people together and created opportunities for innovation. We’re exploring new ways to build efficiently, such as off-site construction, and looking at ways that ADUs can address housing shortages. These efforts will outlast the disaster, making our community stronger and more resilient.
How To Get Involved
- Donate: Financial contributions go directly to rebuilding efforts.
- Volunteer: Help build homes or assist with repairs.
- Provide Resources: Material donations and supplier connections make a huge impact.
For more information, visit SGV Habitat’s website.
