CALIFORNIA – The California Mortgage Relief Program, a grant up to $80,000 for pandemic-related financial hardships, announced March 27, that it is entering its final phase with a limited amount of federal funds remaining.

With the remaining funds expected to be depleted in the coming months, the program is emphasizing the urgency for eligible homeowners to apply as soon as possible.

“Applications are open and will be processed as long as funds are available. Depending on the availability of funds, there is no guarantee all eligible applications will be funded,” said the press release.

Building generational wealth

California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), the program administrator, has distributed over $800 million in more than 33,000 grants for families to avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes.

CalHFA says to date, 55 percent of grants have gone to households in socially disadvantaged communities. The average grant award is $25,000.

“The California Mortgage Relief Program has achieved remarkable success by preserving homeownership opportunities which are so vital to ensuring our most vulnerable populations have a shot at building generational wealth,” said CalHFA Executive Director Tiena Johnson Hall.

CalHFA says funding awarded to Black and Latino households exceeds state homeownership rates for each group.

“While 3.8 percent of California homeowners identify as Black/African American, 15 percent of California Mortgage Relief Program grants have gone to Black/African American households. While Hispanics/Latinos comprise 25.3 percent of California homeowners, 37 percent of program funds have gone to Hispanic/Latino households,” said the press release.

Eligibility

Multiple assistance types are allowed for the grant. 

The funding can be used for:

• Past-due mortgage payments;
• Delinquent property taxes; 
• Reduction or elimination of an existing partial claim or loan deferral received during or after January 2020;
• Help with late taxes and homeowners insurance for reverse mortgages.

Applicants must have faced a pandemic-related financial hardship after January 21, 2020. The combined household income for residents 18 and over must be at or below 150% AMI (by county).

“I’m extremely grateful for the assistance provided by the California Mortgage Relief Program funds. It has changed my life,” said California homeowner Eloy Garcia. “I can breathe again. This help is one of the best things that has happened to me.” 

For more information about the California Mortgage Relief Program and additional eligibility requirements visit https://www.camortgagerelief.org/

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