Families affected by fires receive mortgage help
The CalAssist Mortgage Support Program helps them pay their mortgage for three months
The Eaton Fire destroyed Sonia Linares's home, leaving 13 members of her family without a roof over their heads.
But among the many blessings she has received from that tragedy is the help from the CalAssist Mortgage Support Program, which allowed her to pay her mortgage for three months on her home, reduced to ashes by the devastating fire that occurred last January in the city of Altadena, California.
This is state assistance that Sonia doesn't have to pay back.
“They gave us $8,100, which helped us pay the mortgage for three months. It helped us a lot, and with all the expenses we've had, it's been a huge saving and a tremendous blessing, especially since my husband, who is a carpenter, lost a lot of work as a result of the fire,” said Sonia Linares, a survivor of the Eaton Fire in the city of Altadena.
“We still owe about $300,000 on the mortgage. We have about $15,000 left to finish paying it off,” she says.
Sonia explains that applying for the CalAssist Mortgage Assistance Program was very easy.
“We did it online, and my daughter-in-law helped me. Then we went to the Altadena library to have the application reviewed and make sure everything was in order. Two or months later, the money arrived.”
And it was like a godsend.
“I really wasn't expecting it. But believe me, every bit of support we've received has been a blessing.”
Hundreds of Beneficiaries
Since the first CalAssist Mortgage Relief Program assistance was granted on July 15, 528 homeowners affected by disasters statewide have received three months of mortgage payments.
“Many families "Eligible homeowners can receive up to three months of mortgage payments, with a maximum of $20,000. These funds do not have to be repaid, and applying is free."
“We want to remind families that funds are still available to help them recover.We encourage them to apply as soon as possible, as applications are reviewed in the order they are received. Fund has helped families recovering from the Eaton, Palisades, and Park fires; and the San Diego floods and other disasters.
“The CalAssist Mortgage Fund is more than an aid program; it's a message from the state: we are here for the survivors of these disasters,” said Rebecca Franklin, Deputy Director General of CalHFA.
“This Thanksgiving, we are sending hope to communities across California. It is a time of gratitude because these families can still have a meaningful celebration despite their circumstances.”
One of those families is the Lee family of Altadena, whose home was destroyed by the Eaton Fire.
“I am grateful to the CalAssist Mortgage Fund. Thanks to the program's support with three months of my mortgage, I have been able to set aside that money to cover my living expenses and increase my rebuilding fund,” said T. Lee.
Sonia's Story
For 23 years, Sonia lived in her home in Altadena on Ventura Street.
“We built another house there for my son, his wife, and their two children to live in. Another son, his wife, his mother, and their son were living in another part of the house that we fixed up for us; and another son was living there temporarily. In total, there were 13 of us living on the property.”
But in a matter of hours, she lost not only her roof but five cars.
“We didn't take anything. It was all very unexpected. We never thought what was going to happen. We were evacuated because the smoke from the fire wasn't good for us. My husband didn't know He wanted to go, but we managed to convince him. Hours later, when we tried to return, the Civil Guard wouldn't let us through. The fire had destroyed everything.”
Sonia says this whole year has been an order, starting with finding a rental home.
“The family had to split up. We finally found a rental in Temple City, a four-bedroom house for $4,200.”
This mother and grandmother shares that the Eaton Fire definitely changed their lives completely.
“Even for the pets, it's been a difficult year.
They became depressed while we were going from house to house. My son, who is a gardener, lost tools and clients. All of their clients were in Altadena.”
Despite everything that has happened,Sonia and her family are ready to rebuild their home on the burned site.
“Construction is quick and won't take long; what takes time and has delayed us starting are the permits and inspections.”
Eligibility Criteria
? Homeowners whose primary residence was destroyed or severely damaged as a result of a qualifying disaster occurring between January 1, 2023, and January 8, 2025.
? Applicants must meet the program's updated income limits. County limits are available here.
? Eligible properties include single-family homes, condominiums, or manufactured homes with permanent attachments (up to 4 units).
? Applicants must have a mortgage or reverse mortgage.
A Earlier this fall, the CalAssist Mortgage Fund expanded its income limits, allowing more families to qualify. In Los Angeles County, for example, households impacted by the 2025 wildfires with incomes up to $211,050 may now be eligible. "We want to emphasize that this money does not have to be repaid. The funds are sent directly to the eligible homeowner's mortgage servicer." So, if you think you qualify, don't wait, apply now,” Franklin said.
The CalAssist Mortgage Fund has $105 million in state funds from the National Mortgage Accord.
Funds are limited and applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Homeowners can apply or learn more at CalAssistMortgageFund.Org.
If you have any questions or need help completing an application, you can call the CalAssist Mortgage Fund Contact Center at 800-501-0019 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm).
Free support is also available through HUD-certified housing counseling agencies.
This article was originally published on LatidoBeat, a coalition of leading local Spanish-language news organizations, united to amplify the rich diversity of Latino voices across the United States. It currently includes La Opinion (Los Angeles), El Diario (New York), La Raza (Chicago), La Prensa de Houston, La Prensa de Orlando, El Comercio de Colorado, and La Noticia (Charlotte). Read more news on LatidoBeat. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.All of their clients were in Altadena.”
Despite everything that has happened, Sonia and her family are ready to rebuild their home on the burned site.
“Construction is quick and won't take long; what takes time and has delayed us starting are the permits and inspections.”
Eligibility Criteria
? Homeowners whose primary residence was destroyed or severely damaged as a result of a qualifying disaster occurring between January 1, 2023, and January 8, 2025.
? Applicants must meet the program's updated income limits. County limits are available here.
? Eligible properties include single-family homes, condominiums, or manufactured homes with permanent attachments (up to 4 units).
? Applicants must have a mortgage or reverse mortgage.
A Earlier this fall, the CalAssist Mortgage Fund expanded its income limits, allowing more families to qualify. In Los Angeles County, for example, households impacted by the 2025 wildfires with incomes up to $211,050 may now be eligible. "We want to emphasize that this money does not have to be repaid. The funds are sent directly to the eligible homeowner's mortgage servicer." So, if you think you qualify, don't wait, apply now,” Franklin said.
The CalAssist Mortgage Fund has $105 million in state funds from the National Mortgage Accord.
Funds are limited and applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Homeowners can apply or learn more at CalAssistMortgageFund.Org.
If you have any questions or need help completing an application, you can call the CalAssist Mortgage Fund Contact Center at 800-501-0019 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm).
Free support is also available through HUD-certified housing counseling agencies.
This article was originally published on LatidoBeat, a coalition of leading local Spanish-language news organizations, united to amplify the rich diversity of Latino voices across the United States. It currently includes La Opinion (Los Angeles), El Diario (New York), La Raza (Chicago), La Prensa de Houston, La Prensa de Orlando, El Comercio de Colorado, and La Noticia (Charlotte). Read more news on LatidoBeat. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.All of their clients were in Altadena.”
Despite everything that has happened, Sonia and her family are ready to rebuild their home on the burned site.
“Construction is quick and won't take long; what takes time and has delayed us starting are the permits and inspections.”
Eligibility Criteria
? Homeowners whose primary residence was destroyed or severely damaged as a result of a qualifying disaster occurring between January 1, 2023, and January 8, 2025.
? Applicants must meet the program's updated income limits. County limits are available here.
? Eligible properties include single-family homes, condominiums, or manufactured homes with permanent attachments (up to 4 units).
? Applicants must have a mortgage or reverse mortgage.
A Earlier this fall, the CalAssist Mortgage Fund expanded its income limits, allowing more families to qualify. In Los Angeles County, for example, households impacted by the 2025 wildfires with incomes up to $211,050 may now be eligible. “We want to emphasize that this money does not have to be repaid.The funds are sent directly to the eligible homeowner's mortgage servicer.” So, if you think you qualify, don't wait, apply now,” Franklin said.
The CalAssist Mortgage Fund has $105 million in state funds from the National Mortgage Accord.
Funds are limited and applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Homeowners can apply or learn more at CalAssistMortgageFund.Org.
If you have any questions or need help completing an application, you can call the CalAssist Mortgage Fund Contact Center at 800-501-0019 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm).
Free support is also available through HUD-certified housing counseling. agencies.
This article was originally published on LatidoBeat, a coalition of leading local Spanish-language news organizations, united to amplify the rich diversity of Latino voices across the United States. It currently includes La Opinion (Los Angeles), El Diario (New York), La Raza (Chicago), La Prensa de Houston, La Prensa de Orlando, El Comercio de Colorado, and La Noticia (Charlotte). Read more news on LatidoBeat. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
“Construction is quick and won't take long; what's taking time and has delayed our start are the permits and inspections.”
Eligibility Criteria
? Homeowners whose primary residence was destroyed or severely damaged as a result of a qualifying disaster occurring between January 1, 2023, and January 8, 2025.
? Applicants must meet the program's updated income limits.
County limits are available here.
? Eligible properties include single-family homes, condominiums, or manufactured homes with permanent attachments (up to 4 units).
? Applicants must have a mortgage or reverse mortgage.
Earlier this fall, the CalAssist Mortgage Fund expanded its income limits, allowing more families to qualify.
In Los Angeles County, for example, households impacted by the 2025 wildfires with incomes up to $211,050 may now be eligible.
“We want to emphasize that this money does not have to be repaid. The funds are sent directly to the eligible homeowner's mortgage servicer. So, if you think you qualify, don't wait, apply now,” Franklin said.
The CalAssist Mortgage Fund has $105 million in state funding from the National Mortgage Accord.
Funds are limited and applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Homeowners can apply or learn more at CalAssistMortgageFund.Org.
If you have any questions or need help completing an application, you can call the CalAssist Mortgage Fund Contact Center at 800-501-0019 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm).
Free support is also available through HUD-certified housing counseling agencies.
This article was originally published on LatidoBeat, a coalition of leading local Spanish-language news organizations, united to amplify the rich diversity of Latino voices across the United States. It currently includes La Opinion (Los Angeles), El Diario (New York), La Raza (Chicago), La Prensa de Houston, La Prensa de Orlando, El Comercio de Colorado, and La Noticia (Charlotte). Read more news on LatidoBeat. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.