Altadena Church Rallies to Spread Word: SBA Offers Crucial Aid to Homeowners, Too

In an act of community service even as they recover from their own losses, members of Altadena Baptist Church have organized a special event today to help wildfire victims discover often-overlooked federal financial aid. The congregation, whose historic building was destroyed in January’s devastating Eaton Fire, is working with the Small Business Administration to raise awareness that disaster loans are available for homeowners and renters—not just businesses, as many assume.

“There are so many people who do not know that the SBA is offering low-interest loans to folks who lost their homes or personal property and valuables in the wildfires. We want to be sure that people have a place to meet with a live person, so the wonderful folks at the SBA offered to have a representative from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to meet with people who might need their services,” said Brad Ratliff, Altadena Baptist Church Member.

The event will occur at Highlands Church, located at 4441 La Crescenta Ave., La Crescenta 91214, which is temporarily hosting Altadena Baptist Church after its building was destroyed in the wildfire.

George Van Alstine, the Associate Pastor at Altadena Baptist Church, will be hosting the event along with SBA representatives.

For affected homeowners, the SBA disaster loan program offers significant financial support. Initially, homeowners could apply for loans up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence, with an additional $40,000 for personal property. More recent announcements have expanded this assistance, with disaster loans now available up to $500,000 for real estate and up to $100,000 for personal property, including vehicles.

These loans come with favorable terms designed for recovery. Interest rates start as low as 2.563%, though they may range up to 5.125% depending on individual circumstances. Repayment periods extend up to 30 years, and the program includes a 12-month grace period before interest begins to accrue and loan repayment starts.

Eligibility requirements are straightforward but specific. Applicants must have an acceptable credit history and demonstrate the ability to repay the loan. The property damage must be directly related to the declared disaster—in this case, the Eaton Fire and associated wildfires that began in January 2025.

With the application deadline for physical damage loans set for Monday, March 10, 2025, today’s event offers timely assistance for those still seeking help.

The SBA has established multiple application channels for those who cannot attend. Options include online submissions through sba.gov/disaster, a customer service hotline at 800-659-2955, and email applications to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Applications can also be completed in person at Disaster Recovery Centers, including one at Pasadena City College Community Education Center, 3035 E. Foothill Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101.

Additional resources are available through the LA County Household Relief Grant Program, which provides up to $18,000 to eligible households impacted by the Eaton Fire.

The church has a long history of community service, having remained in Altadena during demographic changes in the 1970s and establishing the Altadena Children’s Center in the 1980s to provide quality childcare for families in lower economic brackets. As they rebuild, they are “reimagining their footprint” while asking “What does our neighborhood need from us?” and inviting wider community conversations about their future role.