California Introduces Practical Solutions Helping Residents Handle Transportation Hazards And Disaster Driven Housing Problems

On November 20, the Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications (OCPSC) hosted a virtual forum with ethnic media outlets throughout California to spotlight two crucial statewide initiatives: the CalAssist Mortgage Fund, aimed at providing mortgage relief for disaster-affected homeowners, and Check to Protect, a vehicle-safety initiative spearheaded by the National Safety Council and supported by the California New Motor Vehicle Board. The dialogue specifically targeted Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) and Black media outlets, ensuring that historically marginalized communities receive pertinent, culturally sensitive information. Rebecca Franklin, Chief Deputy Director of the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), emphasized the frequent hardships these families endure. The CalAssist Mortgage Fund has recently widened its income eligibility, enabling more Californians affected by disasters to access up to $20,000 in non-repayable mortgage grants. Meanwhile, the Check to Protect campaign encourages Californians to verify their vehicles against over 6 million unrepaired recalls, ensuring safety for all.