Construction in Altadena (Photo – Staff)
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion several weeks ago to accept nearly $5 million in state CalHome Program funds to help households affected by the January 2025 wildfires achieve homeownership.
By News Desk
Introduced by Supervisor Kathryn Barger, the motion authorizes the County to receive $4,999,675 from the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
The funding comes through the CalHome Program, established under Assembly Bill 434 and authored by former Assemblymember Tom Daly. CalHome supports homeownership initiatives led by nonprofit and local government agencies, with an emphasis on expanding homeownership opportunities, revitalizing neighborhoods, and promoting sustainable development.
Under the program, eligible households may receive up to $200,000 in down payment assistance—or 40% of a home’s purchase price, whichever is lower. While CalHome traditionally serves lower‑income first‑time homebuyers, its disaster provisions expand eligibility to moderate‑income households earning up to 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four in Los Angeles County, that threshold is approximately $159,900 per year, notably higher than the 120% AMI cap used in the County’s existing homebuyer programs.
The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) will now begin developing a comprehensive implementation plan, including detailed eligibility criteria, outreach strategies, and coordination with local housing partners.
Supervisor Barger emphasized that the initiative is part of the County’s broader effort to address long‑term housing challenges created by the wildfires. “When families have a place to call their own, entire neighborhoods benefit and thrive,” she said. “Rolling out this program is another essential step toward building generational wealth and stronger communities. Altadena and our other impacted communities deserve this support.”
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