The Eaton Fire destroyed Sonia Linares’ home, leaving 13 members of her family homeless.
But among the many blessings he has received from that misfortune is the help of the CalAssist Mortgage Support Program, which allowed him for three months to pay the mortgage on his home reduced to ashes due to the devastating incident that occurred last January in the city of Altadena, California.
This is state support that Sonia does not have to return.
“They gave us $8,100 which we used to pay the mortgage for three months. It helped us a lot, and with so much expense we have had, it has been a great saving, and a tremendous blessing especially because 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 pay,” he says.
Sonia says that applying for help from the CalAssist Mortgage Support Program was very easy.
“We did it on the computer and my daughter-in-law helped me. Then we went to the Altadena library to review my application and make sure everything was fine. Two or three months later we received the money.”
And it was like help from heaven.
“I really didn’t expect it. But believe me, every support we’ve received has been a blessing.”
Hundreds of beneficiaries
Since the first aid from the CalAssist Mortgage Support Program was awarded on July 15, 528 disaster-affected homeowners statewide have received three months of mortgage payments.
“Many families are doing everything they can to get ahead, and the CalAssist Mortgage Support Program is here to support them by providing financial respite so they can focus on recovery,” said Lorena Dominguez, spokesperson for the CalAssist Mortgage Support Program.
“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 are free to apply for.”
“We want to remind families that funds are still available to help them get back on their feet. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as they are reviewed in the order they are received.”
The CalAssist Mortgage Support Program was created by the state of California and is administered by the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) to assist homeowners whose homes have been destroyed or severely damaged as a result of a disaster, not necessarily the Eaton or Pacific Palisades fires.
Since its launch earlier this year, the CalAssist Mortgage Fund has helped families recovering from the Eaton, Palisades, Park fires; and the San Diego floods and other disasters.
“The CalAssist Mortgage Fund is more than a relief program; it is a message from the state: we are here for the survivors of these disasters,” said Rebecca Franklin, CalHFA Deputy CEO.
“This Thanksgiving, we send hope to communities across California. It is a moment of gratitude that 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 of 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.
“Right there we made another house for my son to live with his wife and two children. Another son, his wife, his mother and his son were living in another part of the house that we arranged for us to live in; and another son lived temporarily. In total there were 13 members living on the property.”
But in a matter of hours, he lost not only his roof but five cars.
“We didn’t get anything. Everything was very unexpected. We never thought what was going to happen. They evacuated us because the smoke from the fire was not good for us. My husband did not want to leave, but we managed to convince him. Hours after we tried to return, the Civil Guard did not allow us to pass. The fire had destroyed everything.”
Sonia says that this whole year has been an odyssey, from looking for a rental home.
“The family had to split up. We finally found a place to rent 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 has been a difficult year. They became depressed as we walked from house to house. My son, who is a gardener, lost tools and clients. All of his clients were in Altadena.”
Despite everything that has happened, Sonia and her family are ready to rebuild their house in the burned place.
“The construction is fast and will not take long, what takes and has taken us to start are the permits and inspections.”
Eligibility criteria
● Homeowners whose primary residence was destroyed or severely damaged as a result of a qualified disaster that occurred between January 1, 2023 and January 8, 2025.
● Applicants must meet current program income limits. County boundaries are available here.
● Eligible properties include single-family homes, condominiums, or manufactured homes with permanent attached homes (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 affected by the 2025 wildfires with incomes up to $211,050 could 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”said Franklin.
The CalAssist Mortgage Fund has $105 million in state funds from the National Mortgage Settlement.
Funds are limited and applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Homeowners can apply or get more information 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 in LatidoBeat, a coalition of leading local Spanish-language news organizations, united to spread the rich diversity of Latino voices throughout the United States. Currently includes The Opinion (Los Angeles), The Diary (New York), The Race (Chicago), The Houston Press, The Orlando Press, Colorado Commerce and The News (Charlotte). Read more news at LatidoBeat. follow us on Facebook, Linkedin and instagram.