Powerball winner Edwin Castro, who won $2.04 billion, bought 15 lots burned in California's wildfires and is rebuilding homes for local families in his hometown.

• 8:39 am August 20, 2026
• Yashvi

After winning the biggest Powerball jackpot ever, Edwin Castro could have spent his fortune anywhere. Instead, he returned to the community where he grew up and began rebuilding homes destroyed by the Eaton Fire. But there’s more to his plan than just buying land and building houses. Find out what he’s doing, who the homes are meant for, and why his project has sparked mixed reactions in Altadena.

The $2.04 Billion Win That Changed His Life

In November 2022, Edwin Castro won the record $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot. His winning ticket was purchased at an Altadena gas station in California, the same community where he grew up.

Then the Eaton Fire Changed Altadena

In January 2025, the devastating Eaton Fire destroyed thousands of homes in Altadena. After seeing the damage in the community he knew well, Castro began buying properties that had been damaged by the fire.

Building Homes for Families

Castro plans to build single-family Craftsman-style homes on the lots. He wants families who plan to live in the homes to become the owners instead of selling the properties to investors or landlords.

More Help for Homebuyers

By May 2026, two of the homes were already under construction. Castro is also reportedly donating three of his properties to the Greenline Housing Foundation, a nonprofit that helps people with down payments.

Not Everyone Sees It the Same Way

Castro’s project has received mixed reactions in Altadena. Some residents welcome the investment and new homes. Others are concerned about gentrification and outside investors buying property in a community with a long history of homeownership.