LOS ANGELES — The state of California is launching the CalAssist Mortgage Fund, which will 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,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “We know that recovery takes time, and the state is here to support. Today, 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.”
According to the state, the new disaster mortgage relief program will be managed by the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) and 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, the state said.
‘Vulnerable’ Homeowners
The CalAssist Mortgage Fund provides relief for the most vulnerable homeowners whose homes have been 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, such as the Eaton Fire, Palisades Fire, Park Fire and San Diego floods, according to the state.
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 governor said he and the state have provided unprecedented support to assist Los Angeles’ recovery from this year’s firestorms.
‘Supercharged’ Permitting
In addition to recently announcing a new AI tool to “supercharge the approval of building permits,” Newsom also issued an executive order to streamline the rebuilding of homes and businesses destroyed — suspending permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act.
In addition to other executive orders, the state has also introduced Engaged California, a new platform the state said “gives Californians a unique opportunity to share their thoughts and connect with other people on topics that are important to them.”
