For fire survivors who lost homes in the Eaton fire, rebuilding or selling considerations comes with a frustrating learning curve amid a messy reality.

What do you do after the Army Corps of Engineers clears your lot? Are there affordable services and plans from developers and architects? What is a land trust and how could it help multigeneration Altadena families maintain heritage and wealth? Why should you sell? Or why not?

Pastors Anthony and Micheline McFarland of Lift International Church in Altadena are facing the same decisions, having lost their home of 32 years in the Eaton fire, along with their poodle Ziggy and cat Sophie. Seventeen families among their 200-member congregation also host their homes.

The McFarlands will lead a fire recovery process program from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at 1767 Lake Ave., Pasadena. Admission is free, and all are welcome.

“Homeowners will be able to get the answers they need to build back or make critical decisions about staying or leaving,” Anthony McFarland said. “Our aim for this meeting is to provide important information and optional services to help homeowners build back affordable homes. Information is key in the rebuilding process.”

Ron Carter’s Altadena home was one of three that did not burn on his block. He and his wife lost three structures on their lot, however, and are navigating steps to rebuild. Meanwhile, they remain displaced.

“It has been overwhelming dealing with the daily challenges and chores associated with the rebuild effort,” Carter said. “We are in the midst of hiring a contractor, an architect and surveyor to move the rebuild process forward. As you can imagine, there is a shortage of those skilled professionals available, because there is a large number of individuals who need the same services. The need is great. The wait time to get a skilled construction professional to contract on the rebuild is difficult. They are all working on several projects. In addition, the new concern about the soil in Altadena and the importance of testing it before rebuilding is a major concern for us.”

The term “long recovery” is taking on a complicated and emotional reality.

Carter did say he appreciates help from Supervisor Kathryn Barger, the Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles Urban League, faith-based organizations, the media and neighbors.

“Since the Eaton Fire, we are challenged every day to move closer to return to our beautiful and now famous enclave, Altadena,” he said.

For more information, call 626-797-6056 or go to LiftAltadena.org.