Homeowner assistance programs

Homeownership resource hub, designed to guide both aspiring and seasoned homeowners. Whether you're navigating the complex process of purchasing your first property, seeking insights on maintaining and improving your current home, or exploring financial strategies related to homeownership, these programs aims to support you every step of the way.

  1. Alameda County Boost (AC Boost) Program: This program is funded by Alameda County Measure A1 and provides down payment assistance loans to eligible, middle-income, first-time homebuyers to facilitate the purchase of owner-occupied homes in Alameda County. A second round of funding is anticipated to be available starting in mid-June 2021. You can sign up on the acboost.org website to stay up to date on the latest news related to this program.
  2. Alameda County Mortgage Credit Certificate Program: This program provides qualified first-time homebuyers with an opportunity to reduce their amount of federal income tax, which increases their overall income and ability to qualify for a mortgage loan. This program is administered by the Alameda County Community Development Department.
  3. Habitat for Humanity Home Repair: By providing affordable home repairs, this Home Repair Program preserves homeownership for low-income residents while alleviating critical health and safety concerns.
  4. Housing and Urban Development Guide to Avoiding Foreclosure: This site includes tips for homeowners to avoid foreclosure and foreclosure rescue scams as well as rental assistance and relocation resources if you can’t keep your home.
  5. Housing Rehabilitation Services: The City funds two home repair and rehabilitation programs, administered by Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley and Rebuilding Together Oakland/East Bay. Learn more about the programs here.
  6. Renew AC Loan Program: Renew Alameda County (Renew AC) helps residents make home improvements that are necessary to stay, grow, and thrive in their homes.
  7. The State of California Finance Agency (CalHFA) also helps low and moderate-income first-time or non-first time homebuyers purchase a home by providing access to affordable first mortgages and down payment assistance.  Some of the programs offered by CalHFA are the CALPLUS with ZIP, the MYHOME Assistance, and the Extra Credit Teacher programs.  To benefit from the CalHFA loan programs, potential buyers must contact one of the CalHFA-approved lenders or preferred loan officers.
  8. Workforce Initiative Subsidy for Homeownership (WISH) Program: This Program provides matching grants to qualified first-time homebuyers.