Invests $181.1 million to connect lower-income Californians with homeownership, revitalize neighborhoods
What you need to know: Advancing Governor Newsom’s commitment to housing equity and affordability, California is awarding $181.1 million in funding to help thousands of low-income Californians attain or maintain the dream of homeownership.
SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today announced nearly $181.1 million in grant funding to revitalize communities and increase homeownership opportunities for 1,275 lower-income California households — including agricultural workers and their families. The funding was provided through a streamlined process created by the Newsom administration to help simplify the process for communities to access funding and create housing.
“This year, more California families will have a place to call home because of the vital, durable state investments that are literally building up our communities — creating real projects and putting real keys in hands. We’re cutting red tape, expanding affordability, and accelerating access so the promise of homeownership is within reach for more California families.” Governor Gavin Newsom
“Homeownership is one of the greatest tools for creating generational financial security, and one that is increasingly difficult to attain,” said California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Secretary Tomiquia Moss. “Through CalHOME and the Serna program, we are working with amazing partners to address historical inequities in homeownership, strengthening California communities.”In 2019, during his first State of the State, Governor Newsom announced the state would begin focusing on the housing and homelessness crisis — becoming the first Governor in history to make this issue a statewide priority. Governor Newsom has advanced measures to tackle California’s decades-long crisis of housing affordability and homelessness with an unprecedented singular focus. Through new programs and funding, California is outperforming the nation in turning around the decades-in-the-making homelessness crisis. A key part of the Governor’s strategy is increasing California’s housing inventory, helping strengthen affordability and helping every family achieve the California Dream. The Governor has also streamlined the process for communities to access funding and support to create new housing. This includes through the creation of the Homeownership Super NOFA (HOSN) in 2019 which developed a one-stop shop for affordable homeownership projects and programs. Helping Californians access housing Today’s CalHOME program and Joe Serna Jr. Farmworker Housing (Serna, or FWHG) awards, administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), will create 74 CalHOME projects in 22 California counties and benefit 1,172 households, while six Serna homeownership projects are expected to help another 103 farmworker households. To date, the HOSN program has awarded $447.57 million to help 4,074 California households in 40 California counties attain or maintain homeownership. In just two years, the Serna program has extended homeownership opportunities to 192 farmworker families.“The Homeownership Super NOFA provides a powerful investment for Californians,” said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez. “This funding makes homeownership possible for lower-income households, creating generational change that not only preserves but revitalizes communities throughout the state.”The Homeownership Super NOFA (HOSN) administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), is a one-stop shop for affordable homeownership projects and programs. Under this HOSN round, both CalHOME and Serna funded first-time homebuyer mortgage assistance. Serna also funded programs for the purchase of manufactured homes, while CalHOME funded: homeownership development project loans; owner-occupied rehabilitation assistance; technical assistance for self-help housing projects and shared housing programs; accessory dwelling unit programs; and the acquisition of manufactured housing.
