Monday, February 7, 2011

California Housing Assistance Programs

California residents have a number of options available to assist them in finding affordable, clean and safe housing. Whether you are a low-income family in search of a rental property, or you're ready to buy your first home, there are programs in place that help families with fewer assets and resources find affordable living space.


California -- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD


Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD, is a federal assistance program that works hand-in-hand with the state of California to help low-income, disabled and elderly people find affordable housing through the Section 8 housing program. Along with assisting families with rental obligations, HUD also provides counseling for home buyers and homeowners who may be struggling financially. HUD helps home buyers connect with legitimate financial agencies, such as the Southern California Home Financing Authority, to procure a down payment and money to cover closing costs on a mortgage, or financial assistance for families in jeopardy of foreclosure.


USDA Rural Development of California


The USDA Rural Development program assists California families realize their dream of home ownership. In accordance with the terms of their home loan program, the USDA offers guaranteed and direct-loan programs to low-income families in under developed and rural areas of California. As well as providing mortgage loans to families, the USDA also has a home-repair program and can assist families who may be in jeopardy of losing their home because of foreclosure.


Mercy Housing California


Mercy Housing provides rental opportunities, mortgage assistance, home repair help and community development. Mercy Housing encourages responsible home ownership through mutual development, helping low-income families build their own homes from the ground up. They also assist communities through development of necessary community facilities, such as childcare facilities, food banks, health care clinics, homeless shelters and domestic violence shelters. Not only do they service low-income families, but they also provide housing assistance to the elderly, disabled and people with special needs.


CalHFA


The California Housing Finance Agency provides assistance programs for first-time home buyers and existing home owners who may be struggling to make their mortgage payments. When CalHFA was launched in 1975, the financing provided for homeowners was procured through tax-exempt bonds, which removed repayment responsibility from California taxpayers. As well as providing lending opportunities to low-income, first-time home buyers. CalHFA also assists in the creation of safe and affordable rental housing to low-income families.







Tags: home buyers, low-income families, Mercy Housing, California Housing, Department Housing, Department Housing Urban, families jeopardy