LA County Board of Supervisors Unanimously Approves State Grant to Expand Homeownership Opportunities for Wildfire Survivors
Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion introduced by Supervisor Kathryn Barger authorizing the County to accept nearly $5 million in state CalHome Program funds to help households impacted by the January 2025 wildfires achieve homeownership.
“We have an important window of opportunity to help renters become homeowners and build long-term stability for themselves and their families,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “By securing these state resources, we’re creating pathways to upward mobility and investing in the future of our communities.”
The approved motion authorizes the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) to accept an award of $4,999,675 through the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s CalHome Program, established under Assembly Bill 434 and authored by former California Assemblymember Tom Daly.
CalHome supports homeownership programs operated by private nonprofit and local government agencies to increase homeownership, encourage neighborhood revitalization, and promote sustainable development.
Eligible households may receive down payment assistance of up to $200,000, or 40% of the purchase price–whichever is lower. While CalHome is traditionally a first-time homebuyer program for lower-income households, its disaster provisions expand eligibility to moderate-income households earning up to 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four in Los Angeles County, that threshold is approximately $159,900 per year—meaningfully broader than the 120% AMI cap that applies to LACDA’s existing homebuyer assistance programs.
As next steps, LACDA will develop a comprehensive implementation plan to roll out the program, including eligibility criteria, outreach strategies, and coordination with local housing partners.
Supervisor Barger’s motion reflects Los Angeles County’s commitment to addressing the ongoing housing crisis stemming from the wildfires by creating viable pathways to homeownership. “When families have a place to call their own, entire neighborhoods benefit and thrive,” added Supervisor Barger. “Rolling out this program is another essential step toward building generational wealth and stronger communities. Altadena and our other impacted communities deserve this support.”
