Resources are still available to help California homeowners affected by the 2017 and 2018 wildfires and other natural disasters rebuild their homes. However, the deadline to apply for these funds is quickly approaching.

Many victims of natural disasters do not have enough funds to complete the repair or rebuild of their damaged homes, even with insurance claims and financial settlements. The California Department of Housing and Community Development’s (HCD) ReCoverCA Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program helps provide recovery support to survivors of federally declared natural disasters. Eligible homeowners can receive grants of up to $500,000 to address unmet rehabilitation and reconstruction needs.

Homeowners affected by 2017 and 2018 wildfires, mudflow, and debris flows have until December 31, 2023, to complete the first required step of the process – submitting the Disaster Housing Needs Assistance survey available on the ReCoverCA website. Once submitted, eligible homeowners will be contacted by a case manager and invited to submit a full application. The deadline to submit the completed application is January 31, 2024.

Eligible applicants must have owned and occupied a single-family or manufactured home affected by a 2017 or 2018 federally declared natural disaster in the following counties: Butte, Lake, Los Angeles, Mendocino, Napa, Nevada, Orange, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Shasta, Sonoma, Ventura, and Yuba. Eligibility has been recently expanded to include applicants making up 120% of the area median income, with priority going to lower-income households.

ReCoverCA funds are meant to help repair or reconstruct primary residences after all other funding, including insurance and settlements, is exhausted. To date, the ReCoverCA program has issued 99 grant awards totaling $32 million to help rebuild homes.

Homeowners are encouraged to complete the survey, even if they are unsure if they are eligible for ReCoverCA funds. Interested applicants can find valuable resources and program information in English and Spanish on the ReCoverCA website.

Homeowners affected by the 2020 wildfires also can now apply for ReCoverCA funds. Please visit the ReCoverCA website for more information.