When trying to help the homeless in Pacific Palisades, the Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness examined the idea that “real change” was needed, not the “spare change” – the coins and dollar bills that people often threw in a cup.
Now fire victims who need real change receive more spare change with another three months reprieve from mortgage payments and a new program that will offer up to six months of rental relief.
At the Annual Palisades Democratic meeting on February 1, Senator Ben Allen was asked about help for Tahitian Terrace and Palisades Bowl Residents. He was also asked about how the legislature could help condominium owners who wanted to rebuild but were unable to because of CC&Rs.
He responded that legislation for mobile home parks was stopped by the landlord lobby, which he described as formidable. Regarding the condos, he said he was working on something in Sacramento.
On February 5, Allen’s office in a press release celebrated “that more than 160 lenders have agreed to provide an extended mortgage forbearance for survivors of the 2025 LA Fires.”
The announcement built off last year’s AB-238 “Mortgage Forbearance Act” that provided a 12-month forbearance period.
Now borrowers will receive at least one additional 90-day forbearance period by contacting their lender to provide verbal rationale – no paperwork or forms are required.
After an additional 3 months, people will have to pay the mortgage on their burned/destroyed homes and also have to pay rent for their current rental, which leaves no money to rebuild.
“While this is another positive development, we know more will continue to be needed,” added Allen. “The State is continuing to engage with the mortgage and banking industry for additional support, such as low-financing gap loans.”
For people whose homes were destroyed and for those whose insurance money for living expenses is running out, a new emergency rent relief will reopen on February 9 with L.A. County Emergency Rent Relief Program. Applications will close March 11, 2026.
The provides emergency financial assistance to tenants, landlords, and in some cases displaced homeowners who’ve faced emergency-related financial hardship. Eligible applicants may receive: 1) Up to 6 months of rental or mortgage relief (limited exceptions apply); 2) Maximum award of $15,000 per unit.
Funds are paid directly to landlords, and both tenants and landlords must complete their portions of the application to be considered.
Sign up for program updates at click here.