SANTA ROSA, California (May 23, 2025) – The Wildfire & Earthquake Expo, set to take place on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, promises to be a landmark event for emergency preparedness in the region. This free, community-focused gathering will feature the debut of Homes 4 the Homeless’ innovative E3 VESSEL Home, a game-changer in disaster-relief housing.
A Weekend of Preparedness
The expo kicks off with a closed session on Saturday, May 31, 2025, where local first responders will conduct a Wildfire & Earthquake Simulation. While the public is not invited to this day, community and business leaders are encouraged to participate, gaining insights into how emergency response teams prepare for such events. The following day, Sunday, June 1, 2025, doors open to all Sonoma County residents and neighbors from 10 AM to 3 PM, offering a wealth of resources, education, and hands-on experiences.
Homes 4 the Homeless’ E3 VESSEL Home
At the heart of this event is the introduction of the E3 VESSEL Home, designed to serve multiple purposes, from temporary shelter to long-term modular housing. These factory-built homes are expected to make their U.S. debut this year, and more information can be found at homes4thehomeless.org. The nonprofit is also establishing a subsidiary under nesselhousing.org for private purchases of the modular homes.
The E3 is compact yet robust, with dimensions of 11.4 feet in length, 11 feet in width, and a total area of 205 square feet. It is equipped with 10/15 kW of power and weighs 5 tons (10,000 lbs). The home’s galvanized steel frame is engineered for exceptional durability, surpassing Chinese standards by an impressive 300%, ensuring a service life of 50 years. This makes it a reliable solution for both immediate disaster relief and sustained housing needs.
Unmatched Versatility
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Disaster Relief
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Temporary Housing
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Long-term Housing
Key Features
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- Wind Resistance: Rated for Category 5 hurricanes (sustained winds of 156+ mph)
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- Earthquake Resistance: Tested and approved for seismic activity up to 10.0 magnitude earthquakes
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- Fire Resistance:
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- Clad in 3mm recycled aircraft-grade fluorocarbon aluminum, providing superior weather resistance, thermal efficiency, and durability
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- Reinforced galvanized steel frame, exceeding 300% of manufactured requirements for long-term durability
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- Heavy-duty fire-rated door with four deadbolts and four-barrel hinges
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- Entire structure is rustproof, ensuring long-term resilience in diverse climates
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- Fire Resistance:
Advanced Engineering for Multi-Threat Resilience
The E3 VESSEL Home is not just another temporary structure; it’s a testament to advanced engineering. Its outer shell is constructed from 3mm aerospace-grade aluminum alloy, the same material used in satellites, aircraft, and bullet trains, with a 2000°F flashpoint. This is layered with 1200°F-rated fireproof fiber board, PU foam insulation, and a bamboo-based fireproof board interior, providing comprehensive protection against fire. The unit is further secured with a 3-hour fire-rated galvanized steel door and a fully integrated frame reinforced with crane hooks, allowing for helicopter deployment in emergency situations. Additionally, the E3 is engineered to withstand seismic activity up to magnitude 10.0, making it a versatile solution for both wildfires and earthquakes.
Personal Commitment and Expertise
Leading Homes 4 the Homeless are individuals with deep personal and professional stakes in disaster preparedness. Steve Schneider, the CEO, is a survivor of the 2017 Tubbs Fire, bringing firsthand experience to the company’s mission. He is expected to attend the weekend’s activities, alongside Archie Kao, the company president. Kao, known for his acting career in “CSI: Crime Scene Investigations,” “Chicago PD,” and appearing as the Blue Power Ranger, also brings significant community involvement, having represented the nonprofit in a partnership with Santa Rosa Police Department’s Sergeant Matt Crosbie. Their presence at the expo underscores the blend of personal commitment and professional expertise driving Homes 4 the Homeless’s initiatives.
A Community-Building Event
The Wildfire & Earthquake Expo is more than just a showcase of innovative housing; it’s a community-building event aimed at enhancing resilience. Attendees can expect a free breakfast, the opportunity to take home a Go BAG (one per family, while supplies last), and a range of engaging activities. Emergency demonstrations, live simulations, and exhibitor booths will provide practical insights and tools for protecting families, businesses, and properties. The event also features Henry 1 and Sonoma County 1 helicopters, fire extinguisher training, and a live resilient landscape design, all tailored to educate and empower the community.
Public education and training are available in both English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for all. The expo’s tagline, “You are what makes Sonoma County Strong!” encapsulates its mission to foster individual, neighborhood, and community preparedness. By attending, participants not only learn how to safeguard themselves but also discover how to support others, strengthening the collective resilience of Sonoma County.
Funding and Support
The event is supported, in part, by a grant from the Cooperative Fire Program of the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, Pacific Southwest Region, through the California Fire Safe Council. This funding underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in enhancing emergency preparedness and response capabilities.
Conclusion: Building a Safer Future
The Wildfire & Earthquake Expo on June 1, 2025, represents a significant step forward in disaster preparedness for Sonoma County. With the debut of Homes 4 the Homeless’ E3 VESSEL Home, the event highlights innovative solutions that address the immediate and long-term needs of communities facing natural disasters. As we gather to learn, connect, and prepare, we reaffirm our commitment to building a safer, stronger future together.
Social Media & Engagement
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- Hashtags: #FireAndEarthquakeExpo #Homes4theHomeless #DisasterPreparedness #CommunityResilience
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- Platforms:
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- Platforms:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Homes4theHomeless4/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homes4thehomeless4/?hl=en
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAntwdK9s8lkOw6ZzImZBrQ/videos?app=desktop
- LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/homes-4-the-homeless/
- X formerly Twitter: https://x.com/Homes4homeless4
- TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@user1790244133219?lang=en
For more information, visit the expo’s website or follow updates on social media or Contact Us.
