By Edward Henderson | California Black Media
On November 20, the Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications (OCPSC) hosted an online forum with ethnic media outlets across the state to highlight two statewide programs that benefit all Californians: the CalAssist Mortgage Fund, which provides disaster-related mortgage relief, and Check to Protect, a vehicle-safety campaign led by the National Safety Council and supported by the California New Motor Vehicle Board.
While these programs serve residents across the state, the conversation was designed specifically for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) and Black media outlets to ensure communities that have been historically underrepresented—and often disproportionately affected by disasters and safety recalls—receive timely, accurate, and culturally relevant information.
“These families have lost everything—not once, but repeatedly,” said Rebecca Franklin, Chief Deputy Director of the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA).
“And while they work to rebuild, they are still responsible for their mortgage payments, adding emotional and financial strain to an already difficult situation,” Franklin continued.
The CalAssist Mortgage Fund, administered by CalHFA, recently expanded its income limits, allowing thousands more California homeowners to qualify for mortgage assistance after losing or sustaining severe damage to their homes in recent disasters.
In Los Angeles County for example, homeowners earning up to $211,050 may now be eligible for up to $20,000 in mortgage payment grants that never have to be repaid.
“We recognize that thousands of homes were affected in the fires in Altadena and the Palisades, and in recent flooding in the San Diego area,” Franklin continued. “Our message is clear: We’re here to help. You are not alone.”
One of those families is the Lee family in Altadena, whose home was destroyed by the Eaton Canyon Fire.
“I am grateful for the CalAssist Mortgage Fund. Thanks to the program’s support with 3 months of my mortgage, I have been able to put that money aside to help with living expenses and add to my rebuild fund,” said T. Lee.
To qualify, the home must have been your primary residence and destroyed or severely damaged in a qualified California disaster between January 2023 and January 8, 2025—including the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, San Diego floods, the Park Fire, and disasters in Butte, Tehama, and Plumas Counties.
Income limits apply, and eligible properties include single-family homes, condos, or permanently affixed manufactured homes with up to four units.
The Check to Protect Campaign reminds Californians to check their vehicles for open safety recalls. California currently leads the nation with more than 6 million vehicles with unrepaired safety recalls, including over 110,000 “Do Not Drive” recalls, where the risk of crash, fire, or injury is severe.
“Vehicle recalls disproportionately affect communities of color, rural communities, and low-income communities,” said Kimberlee Bay, Assistant Director and Equity Officer for the California New Motor Vehicle Board. “These communities may be more likely to be unaware of recalls and may face barriers such as scheduling repairs or accessing authorized dealerships.”
Visit CheckToProtect.org then enter your license plate or VIN number to check and see if your vehicle has any open recalls. Repairs are free at authorized dealers, regardless of where the vehicle was purchased. Anyone can bring the vehicle in for service. When contacting your dealer, you can ask about free transportation, loaner vehicles, or mobile repairs.
San Joaquin resident Irina Garcia-Martin shared her experience navigating the site when she found out her vehicle had an open recall for her airbags.
“I received a recall letter for airbags in my 2017 Kia Sedona. Immediately I was worried—when airbags are mentioned and you have a family, it becomes concerning, she explained.
“So, I checked the site and called the dealership. They set up an appointment. I took my van in. The process was so easy, quick, and free. It put my mind at ease,” Garcia-Martin concluded.
