The California Mortgage Relief Program is a billion-dollar financial assistance program funded by the federal government, offering aid to those in danger of losing their homes due to financial hardship bourn out of the pandemic.
Started through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the California Mortgage Relief Program has allotted funding of about $1 billion dollars to help homeowners in danger of losing their homes pay late mortgages and taxes. The program was created in direct response to the economic hardships of the pandemic, the effects of which are still felt by many today. In a Zoom meeting informing the public about the program Rebecca Franklin, president of the CalHFA Homeowner Relief Corporation explained the process. “We're not asking for too many documents or things that are really hard to get,” said Franklin. “We really want to make sure that this is a positive experience, because they're already in a negative experience. So, we really work hard in this program to try to engage with homeowners and make sure that they're, you know, getting the help that they need.” For many in the Black community the stigma of needing help with paying home loans can be a barrier to seeking help. Those who find themselves far behind may feel hopeless, but Franklin says that that they have helped many landowners find their way out of debt and keep their homes. There are escalation teams who work on the more difficult cases and, for some who have received a notice of sale, they have worked with servicers to pause the sale of the home while they are working on the application. They have saved the homes of some applicants from being sold by a margin of a few hours. The website provides a guide to applying and even offers a help line at their website, https://camortgagerelief.org/. So far about $250 million have been given to applicants. There is still money available in the program, but it is a first come first serve basis. The payments provide up to $80,000 toward mortgages and $20,000 for property taxes. Franklin’s department has worked to connect applicants with certified HUD counselors who can analyze the individual needs of those applying to the program and connect them with all of the resources they might need to keep their home. “I say to everyone, this is free money ya’ll,” said HUD certified counselor Linda Jackson. “So we have got to get this free money because you don’t have to pay this back.” Pasadena has a variety of programs designed by the city to help homeowners with things ranging from the costs of maintenance to much needed repairs and upgrades provided on the city website, https://www.cityofpasadena.net/housing/homeowner-rehabilitation-programs/. Some of these city programs also receive financing from the federal government. In the city of Pasadena the program has helped at least 4 households and paid out just over $90,000. The program still has funds available for families in need and information can be found at the website of the California Mortgage Relief Website, or at their help line at 1-888-840-2594. The experience is going to be direct and helpful, promises Franklin. “So, we're talking to homeowners, we have a contact center that we really tried to make sure it's not one of those contact centers where you're waiting on the phone for four hours,” said Franklin. That’s not us.” |
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