USDA Waives Rural Rules to Send $3 Million in Repair Grants to Eaton Fire Homeowners

A federal housing repair program built for rural America is coming to Altadena.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced $3 million in disaster assistance grants for homeowners whose properties were damaged by the Eaton Fire, according to a statement from Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s office.

The grants, distributed through USDA’s Section 504 Single Family Housing Repair Program, offer up to $32,420 per household — but the program does not normally serve communities like Altadena, an unincorporated community in Los Angeles County. USDA waived its standard rural eligibility requirements to reach the fire-damaged area, according to the announcement, which described the action as demonstrating the Trump administration’s commitment to applying eligibility waivers for communities affected by the California wildfires.

The money is targeted at 92 very-low- and low-income homeowners, according to USDA Rural Development California State Director Bryan Anguiano.

“USDA Rural Development is committed to supporting families affected by the Eaton Fire. That’s why we moved quickly to waive standard eligibility requirements and advance this funding, ensuring communities receive the relief they urgently need,” Anguiano said in the statement. “These federal resources will help 92 homeowners make progress towards restoring safe, livable conditions following the devastation of the Eaton Fire.”

The Eaton Fire killed 19 people, burned 14,021 acres and destroyed more than 9,400 structures when it swept through Altadena and parts of Pasadena beginning January 7, 2025, according to Cal Fire. The fire was fully contained on January 31, 2025. It was the second most destructive wildfire in California history. More than a year later, only a fraction of destroyed homes have been rebuilt, and local officials have repeatedly identified funding as the primary barrier to recovery.

Grants may be used for disaster-related home repair expenses — including costs incurred before the application — as well as site preparation, cleanup and restoring habitability, according to a USDA fact sheet. To qualify, homeowners must have had property damaged by the Eaton Fire between January 7 and January 31, 2025, must own and occupy the home, and must have adjusted household income within very-low- or low-income limits, the fact sheet states. Homeowners who are not currently occupying their property may still be eligible if occupancy after repair can be authorized, according to the fact sheet.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis while funding remains available and are processed in the order received, according to USDA. Recipients must certify that no other funding source has covered the same repairs.

Barger, whose 5th District includes Altadena, said the announcement followed her April 22 meeting with President Trump at the White House, where she and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass advocated for federal wildfire recovery assistance.

“This $3 million investment is another critical resource that will help Eaton Fire survivors continue moving forward as they rebuild their homes and their lives,” Barger said in the statement. “I wholeheartedly appreciate USDA Rural Development for recognizing the unique needs of Altadena and stepping in with flexible support.”

Anguiano was appointed by President Trump in May 2025 to serve as USDA Rural Development’s California state director, according to a USDA news release. Before his appointment, he served as the Republican National Committee’s California state director, according to his USDA biography.

Homeowners interested in applying can contact a USDA home loan specialist at sm.rd.ca.SFHDirect@usda.gov, or reach the following USDA staff: Alma Jaquez, single-family housing specialist, at (209) 287-3630 or Alma.Jaquez@usda.gov; Daniel Ferreira, single-family housing specialist, at (530) 691-5850 or Daniel.Ferreira@usda.gov; or Lyanne Mendoza, the Southern California area director, at (661) 281-2737 or Lyanne.Mendoza@usda.gov. Additional program information is available by contacting Anguiano at Bryan.Anguiano@USDA.gov.

Barger has described funding as the most pressing need in Altadena’s recovery. In a statement earlier this year, she said families “lack the capital to kick start or continue their rebuilding plans.” The USDA grants add another layer of federal support to a patchwork of recovery programs that include FEMA individual assistance, SBA disaster loans, LA County household relief grants and private philanthropic efforts.

“Receiving this federal assistance on the heels of my visit with President Trump underscores how strong collaboration between federal, state, and local partners can deliver the resources residents need to restore their communities and move forward with confidence,” Barger said.