LA County approved state-backed grants to help wildfire survivors move toward homeownership.
If you lost your home in California wildfires, this program can help you rebuild or relocate.
What the program offers
Down payment assistance: Up to 20% of purchase price
Rebuilding grants: Funds for reconstruction
Relocation help: Assistance moving to safer areas
Exact amounts vary based on damage, income, and property location.
Who qualifies
- Lost primary residence in declared wildfire disaster
- California resident
- Income within program limits (typically up to $200K+ depending on household)
- Plan to buy/rebuild primary residence in California
- Meet lender credit requirements
How to apply
- Document your loss — FEMA declaration, insurance claim, damage assessment
- Get pre-approved — Work with lender familiar with disaster assistance programs
- Apply through LA County — Submit application with supporting docs
- Complete homebuyer education — Required for most programs
- Find property or rebuild — Within program guidelines
- Close with assistance funds — Funds at closing or construction
Combining with other programs
You may be able to stack:
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- LA County wildfire assistance
- CalHFA programs
- Federal disaster relief
- Insurance proceeds
- SBA disaster loans
Work with a lender who understands how to layer these programs.
Rebuilding vs. relocating
Rebuild in same area:
- Keep community ties
- May have higher insurance costs
- Check updated fire safety building codes
Relocate to lower-risk area:
- Lower insurance
- Potentially safer long-term
- Fresh start
Consider both options before deciding.
Timeline
Application processing: 30-60 days typically
Fund availability: Depends on program funding
Construction loans: 6-12 months for rebuild
Start early—these programs have limited funding and high demand.
Insurance considerations
After wildfire loss:
- Future insurance will be more expensive
- Some areas may only have FAIR Plan (California's insurer of last resort)
- Lenders require insurance for approval
Factor higher insurance costs into affordability calculations.
Resources
LA County program info: Search "LA County wildfire homebuyer assistance"
FEMA assistance: fema.gov
CalHFA programs: calhfa.ca.gov
SBA disaster loans: sba.gov/disaster
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Bottom line
If you're a wildfire survivor in LA County, don't assume homeownership is out of reach. State-backed assistance can provide substantial help with down payment and rebuilding.
Start by documenting your loss and getting pre-approved with a lender experienced in disaster recovery programs.
Want help navigating wildfire assistance programs? Get A Quote.
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