CALIFORNIA – The California Association of Realtors (CAR) announced February 10, that it is awarding housing assistance grants to homeowners and renters affected by the Southern California wildfires in January 2025.

The Palisades and Eaton Fires collectively burned over 37,000 acres in the Los Angeles area. According to recent updates, the fires damaged over 18,000 structures including over 16,000 that were completely destroyed.

Through a $1 million gift from the Realtors Relief Foundation, CAR is offering disaster relief grants up to $1,000 per household to provide housing-related financial assistance. 

“As residents begin the long process of starting over, the realtor community is glad to be able to provide some immediate support in their time of need. We encourage impacted families to apply today and take the first step toward recovery,” said CAR President Heather Ozur.

Eligible applicants may receive assistance for mortgage relief, rental payments, or temporary housing, such as hotel stays due to displacement from their primary residence. 

Deadline for submission is April 30, 2025

The application opened February 10, and the deadline for submission is April 30, 2025, contingent on the availability of funds. 

Applications will be processed in the order in which they are received.

CAR says assistance is for housing relief for displacement from or damage to primary residences only. 

Other expenses such as second mortgages (home equity loans), clothing, appliances, equipment, vehicle costs, or other non-housing-related expenses are ineligible for reimbursement under this program.

This program is available to full-time residents who are U.S. citizens or legally admitted for residence in the United States and have experienced displacement or damage to their primary residence due to the recent wildfires.

Grants are limited to one per household.

For more information on the housing assistance grants visit www.car.org/difference/realtorscare