CALIFORNIA – Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California is launching the CalAssist Mortgage Fund on June 12, to provide grants up to $20,000 to homeowners whose homes were destroyed or left uninhabitable in recent fire, floods, and other disasters.
“Homeowners whose home was destroyed in a recent fire, flood or other disaster deserve support in their recovery. We know that recovery takes time, and the state is here to support,” said Newsom.
The new disaster mortgage relief program, managed by the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), will be paired with $25 million in additional housing counseling support through CalHFA’s National Mortgage Settlement Housing Counseling Program.
None of the funds impact the proposed 2025-2026 budget.
Funds never have to be repaid
When applications open on June 12, eligible homeowners can apply for grants covering up to three months of mortgage payments, up to $20,000 total.
The CalAssist Mortgage Fund aids vulnerable homeowners whose home is currently destroyed or uninhabitable as a result of a California disaster that received a State of Emergency proclamation by the Governor, or a Major Disaster Declaration approved by the President from January 1, 2023, through January 8, 2025.
Applicants must also meet income limit eligibility to receive funding.
Photo credit: California Housing Finance AgencyGrants are paid directly to the mortgage servicer. Funds never have to be repaid and it’s free to apply.
List of qualified disasters
The CalAssist Mortgage website lists the following as qualified disasters to determine eligibility for the grant:
Eaton Fire – Jan. 2025
Palisades Fire – Jan. 2025
Franklin Fire – Dec. 2024
Mountain Fire – Nov 2024
Airport Fire – Sep. 2024
Bridge Fire – Sep. 2024
Boyles Fire – Sep. 2024
Line Fire – Sep. 2024
Borel Fire – Jul. 2024
Park Fire – Jul. 2024
French Fire – Jul. 2024
Thompson Fire – Jul 2024
Early February 2024 Winter Storms: Morongo Band of Mission Indians – Apr. 2024
Early February 2024 Winter Storms: Hoopa Valley Tribe – Apr. 2024
Early February 2024 Winter Storms – Apr. 2024
January 2024 Winter Storms – Feb. 2024
Tropical Storm Hilary – Nov 2023
Tropical Storm Hilary: Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians – Oct. 2023
Tropical Storm Hilary: La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians – Sep. 2023
Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians Severe Storm and Flooding – May 2023
2023 Feb-April Storms – Apr. 2023
Rohnerville Rancheria Earthquake – Mar. 2023
2022-2023 Early Winter Storms – Jan. 2023
Homeowners can call the CalAssist Mortgage Fund at 1-800-501-0019 for in-depth, one-on-one assistance with preparing and completing their application from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
For more information about the program visit https://www.calassistmortgagefund.org/
