By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor
California launched the CalAssist Mortgage Fund on Thursday, June 12, offering up to $20,000 in grants to homeowners whose properties were destroyed or left uninhabitable by recent wildfires, floods and other disasters—including those impacted by the January 7 Palisades fire.
The disaster mortgage relief program—managed by the California Housing Finance Agency—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 2025-26 budget, according to Governor Gavin Newsom’s office.
The CalAssist Mortgage Fund provides relief for vulnerable homeowners whose homes were destroyed or left uninhabitable as the result of a disaster that received a State of Emergency proclamation by the governor or a Major Disaster Declaration approved by the president between January 2023 and January 2025—including the Eaton fire, Palisades fire, Park fire and San Diego floods.
“Homeowners whose home was destroyed in a recent fire, flood or other disaster deserve support in their recovery,” Newsom said in a statement. “We know that recovery takes time and the state is here to support. 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.”
Eligible homeowners can apply for grants covering up to three months of mortgage payments, up to $20,000 total.
The grants do not have to be repaid and applying to the program is free. If approved, grants will be sent directly to the homeowner’s mortgage servicer.
Application and eligibility information about the CalAssist Mortgage Fund is available at calassistmortgagefund.org.
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