Altadena Soils Relief Fund Launches to Support Eaton Fire Survivors

Apr 15
3 min read

Altadena is still healing from the Eaton Fire. Many families are trying to rebuild, but the soil beneath their homes tells a harder story. After months of testing across the burn zone, 301 Organics found that more than 95% of properties had contamination above the lowest state health threshold. For many residents, especially those who are under‑insured or uninsured, the cost of soil testing and cleanup is out of reach.

Today, that changes! 301 Organics has partnered with Charity On Top, to launch the Altadena Soils Relief Fund (ASRF), a new charitable project sponsored by the non-profit created to help families access the soil testing and soil restoration they need to rebuild safely.

Why the Fund Matters

Wildfires don’t just burn homes. They leave behind toxic ash, heavy metals, and other contaminants that settle into the soil. These pollutants can spread during grading and construction, making the problem worse over time. Safe rebuilding starts with safe soil. But many families in the burn zone are facing the recovery alone. Insurance rarely covers the repair of contaminated soil, and state agencies do not currently use the most protective health‑based screening levels when communicating risk to residents.

The Altadena Soils Relief Fund fills this gap by offering:

Soil testing
Soil restoration and remediation
Clear, science‑based reporting
Support for families who cannot afford treatment

As 301 Organics Founder Christine Lenches‑Hinkel explains:

“Altadena deserves a recovery rooted in science, equity, and community. No family should have to choose between their health and their ability to rebuild.”

Powered by Local Partners

This Fund is supported by a growing coalition of community members, small businesses, and soil‑health experts, including: Fair Oaks Burger, Altadena Stables, Lopez Tree Services, Miss Juicy Little, The Future Organization, Eaton Fire Residents United (EFRU), Soil Domains, Soil Food Web Foundation, Strong Home Network and other local collaborators.

Kathy Selders, Co‑Founder and Executive Director of Charity On Top, shared:

“We are proud to sponsor a project that brings transparency, compassion, and practical solutions to a community still navigating the long tail of disaster.”

Earth Day: Learn How Soil Heals

To celebrate the launch of the Fund and to honor Earth Day, 301 Organics invites the public to visit one of its neighborhood composting host sites on April 22, 2026. (Click here to RSVP). Visitors will learn:

How 301 Organics makes its biologically rich compost and liquid compost
How microbes help restore fire‑damaged soil
How local businesses and residents are working together to heal the land

This event is a tribute to Mother Earth and to the women small‑business owners leading Altadena’s soil‑health movement. Their shared commitment to children, community, and the land is at the heart of this work.

A Community‑Powered Recovery

301 Organics has been at the center of Altadena’s soil‑health efforts since day one of the fire. The organization built the region’s first local composting infrastructure in direct response to the disaster and continues to not only provide transparent, science‑driven soil testing and treatment but has led the charge in building small business partnerships with the resources to get the job done.

Andrea Telleria of Altadena Stables put it simply:

“By composting our horse manure locally, we help restore the soil and strengthen our community. We’re proud to partner with 301 Organics, the Altadena Soils Relief Fund, and Charity On Top as they heal our soil one load at a time.”

The Altadena Soils Relief Fund mission is to ensure that every family, regardless of insurance status has access to the tools and support needed to rebuild safely.