LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — A program to help homebuyers in high fire areas buy homes in communities with less fire risk is returning to Lake County for a workshop this month.

A key homebuyer workshop for the ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance Program will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 26, in Clearlake.

It will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Best Western El Grande Inn, 15135 Lakeshore Drive.

The free workshop will provide valuable information about the program, which offers up to $350,000 in financial assistance per household to help qualifying individuals and families purchase homes in lower-fire-risk areas of California.

Attendees will learn how to apply for the program, understand the program’s policies and eligibility requirements, get step-by-step guidance on the application process from experts in the field and help raise awareness about the program and contribute to community recovery efforts.

To apply for assistance through the program, applicants must have owned or rented a primary residence in Zip Code 95422 in Lake County in 2017, within a High or Very High Fire Severity Zone. Additionally, applicants must meet the low-to-moderate income eligibility requirements, typically capped at 80% of the area median income.

“This financial assistance could really make a difference in people’s lives,” says Lake County Supervisor EJ Crandell. “When one family gains some stability, they are better able to show up in their employment, in their education, in their relationships with friends and family and in their community. When one family succeeds in taking a step forward in recovery, we all benefit.”

Potential applicants and community stakeholders — including wildfire recovery agencies, organizations, real estate professionals, residential service providers, and media members — are encouraged to attend the upcoming workshop and help raise awareness about this valuable resource.

Space is limited, so attendees are encouraged to register early to guarantee their spot. Pre-register for this free event at https://qrco.de/bfimJm. Interpreter services in Spanish, Tagalog and American Sign Language can be requested during registration.

The ReCoverCA HBA Program is provided by the California Department of Housing and Community Development and funded by HUD.

The program is a vital part of California's ongoing recovery efforts to support individuals and families impacted by wildfires. Since launching in June 2024, the Program has helped over 80 families become homeowners, with an average grant of $300,000 per household.

The assistance is fully forgiven after five years of homeownership and occupancy. There is no first-time homebuyer requirement and perfect credit is not needed to qualify.

Complete program policies, eligibility requirements, loan applications, interest rates, and APRs, are available through ReCoverCA HBA Lenders published on the GSFA website at www.gsfahome.org. 

To pre-register for the homebuyer workshop in Clearlake on February 26, 2025, please visit https://qrco.de/bfimJm.