Edwin Castro, the lucky winner of a staggering $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot in 2022, is putting his wealth to meaningful use by investing in the recovery efforts of his community in Altadena, California. After purchasing his life-changing ticket at Joe’s Service Center, Castro has dedicated some of his winnings to help rebuild homes affected by the devastating Eaton Fire in January.
At just 33 years old, Castro has taken on the role of a benefactor, buying millions of dollars’ worth of property to assist families who lost their homes in the wildfire. The Eaton Fire, which tragically coincided with the Palisades Fire, resulted in the loss of over 16,000 structures and at least 31 lives. Castro is committed to honoring the original craftsman-style architecture of the neighborhood while ensuring that the new homes are reasonably priced.
“This is for a family that wants to move in,” Castro shared with The Wall Street Journal about one of the parcels of land he purchased. He emphasizes the importance of supporting those who truly need it, contrasting his intentions with outside investors who are looking to profit from the tragedy. In fact, there have been rising concerns among residents regarding these investors, as many fear that their motivations could negatively impact the local community. A petition aiming to prevent such external investments has already garnered nearly 1,500 signatures.
Castro, who has an architecture consulting background, expresses a deep connection to the area. He once lived in Altadena, and his father, a construction worker, helped build notable structures including the Getty Museum in Malibu. This family legacy inspires him as he undertakes his own projects. “I want it to feel like the old neighborhood,” Castro asserts, wanting to recreate the charm and sense of community that existed before the fire.
His vision extends beyond just rebuilding structures; he aims to create homes for families rather than rental properties, ensuring that those who settle there are looking to make Altadena their long-term home. Castro’s optimistic approach to recovery highlights the resilience of communities in the face of adversity, showcasing how individual efforts can lead to positive change.
As Castro continues with his plans, the hope is that his dedication will restore not only homes but also the spirit of the neighborhood, providing a bright future for many families who have faced the unimaginable loss.