Five months after the fire, on Calaveras in Altadena (Photo – Melissa Michelson)
California is set to launch the CalAssist Mortgage Fund on June 12, 2025, offering grants of up to $20,000 to eligible homeowners whose properties were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable by recent fires, floods, and other disasters across the state, including the devastating Los Angeles-area firestorms earlier this year.
By Rena Kurlander
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the new initiative as part of a broader effort to accelerate recovery and provide relief to vulnerable families facing housing instability.
“Homeowners whose home was destroyed in a recent fire, flood or other disaster deserve support in their recovery,” said Governor Newsom. “California is extending this ongoing support to disaster victims in Los Angeles and beyond, by assisting with mortgage payments to relieve financial pressure and stress as families rebuild and recover.”
About the CalAssist Mortgage Fund
Administered by the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), the CalAssist Mortgage Fund is part of a $100 million relief package designed to ease financial burdens for disaster survivors. It includes a $25 million expansion of housing counseling services through CalHFA’s National Mortgage Settlement Housing Counseling Program.
Importantly, officials confirmed that this funding will not impact the proposed 2025–2026 state budget.
The program provides up to three months of mortgage payments, capped at $20,000 per household. Funds will be disbursed directly to mortgage servicers on behalf of approved applicants.
Eligible disasters include those that received either a State of Emergency proclamation from the Governor or a Major Disaster Declaration from the President between January 2023 and January 2025. Covered events include the Eaton Fire, Palisades Fire, Park Fire, and San Diego floods.
“When disaster strikes and families lose their homes, every step toward recovery makes a meaningful difference,” said Tomiquia Moss, Secretary of California’s Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency. “The CalAssist Mortgage Fund will provide more than $100 million in valuable support to help ease the financial pressure survivors face.”
How to Apply
Eligibility criteria and application details are now available at CalAssistMortgageFund.org. The grants are free to apply for and do not need to be repaid.
Application support is available by calling 800-501-0019 during business hours. Free assistance is also offered through HUD-certified housing counseling agencies.
“Hard-working families across the state—from Altadena to Chico—deserve relief as they work to recover from these devastating events,” said Rebecca Franklin, Chief Deputy Director at CalHFA.
Building on Earlier Relief Efforts
The CalAssist Mortgage Fund builds on previous efforts to protect homeowners affected by wildfires. Governor Newsom had earlier secured commitments from over 400 financial institutions, including major lenders like Bank of America, Citi, JPMorgan Chase, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo, to provide 90-day mortgage forbearance without penalties or negative credit impacts.
This initiative is part of a broader state strategy to fast-track rebuilding. The Governor has issued multiple executive orders to streamline recovery, including suspensions of permitting requirements under CEQA and the California Coastal Act, and directives to expedite the reconstruction of homes and businesses.
Public Engagement Through Engaged California
In a parallel effort to involve the public in policymaking, the Governor also launched Engaged California, an interactive platform that allows residents to share their perspectives and influence decisions. The program debuted in February, with a focus on the long-term impacts of the LA firestorms.
Appreciate the story, but it would help if you did some research on the limitations of this grant program. Based on 2023 census tract data for Altadena, some households will qualify under the income limit — but many won’t, even if they’ve been severely impacted. Of the 400+ mortgage lenders operating in California, fewer than 10% are participating in this program. Major lenders like Wells Fargo, Rocket Mortgage, CMG Financial, and CrossCountry Mortgage are currently not on the list, which excludes many eligible households. That means even those who do meet the income requirement might still be disqualified because of their lender — not their need.