HOUSING PROGRAMS & SERVICES

FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER ASSISTANCE

Los Angeles County Home Ownership Program (HOP)

The HOP has been designed to meet the needs of low- and moderate- income families and individuals who want to purchase a new home. LACDA’s HOP80 and HOP120 Home Ownership Programs provide a second mortgage loan for first-time homebuyers. HOP80 offers assistance up to $100,000, or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is less. HOP120 offers assistance up to $85,000, or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is less. To qualify, a homebuyer must be income eligible, not have owned a home in the last three years, and the home must be owner-occupied.

HOP is financed with HOME funds provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is subject to the applicable federal regulations. The HOP is available for existing, new construction, approved short sales, and real estate owned (REO) properties. 

Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program

The MCC Program offers qualified first-time homebuyers a Federal income tax credit. It enables qualified first-time homebuyers to convert a portion of their annual mortgage interest into a direct dollar-for-dollar tax credit on their U.S. individual income tax returns. The qualified homebuyer is awarded a tax credit of up to 20% of the annual interest paid on the mortgage loan. The remaining 80% of the mortgage interest will continue to qualify as an itemized tax deduction.

To benefit from the program, the homebuyer must work directly with a participating lender. If the homebuyer and the residence to be purchased are eligible, the lender fills out the MCC application on the homebuyer's behalf and sends it to the County for review.

California Housing Finance Agency Loan Programs

CalHFA has a variety of loan programs to assist buyers to purchase a home in California. First mortgage programs ensure a 30-year fixed interest rate and can be accessed through government or conventional loan programs. Down payment assistance programs offer subordinate loans, meaning payments on this loan are deferred so borrowers do not have to make a payment on this assistance until your home is sold, refinanced or paid in full. For more information on the available programs, follow the link below:

https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/homebuyer/programs/index.htm

FAIR HOUSING SERVICES AND PROGRAMS

Federal, State, and Local laws prohibit housing discrimination based on certain categories. The laws cover housing for rent or sale, advertising, lending, insurance, steering, redlining, and hate crimes. In California, virtually every unit of housing for rent or sale is covered under the fair housing laws. For more information, view the links.

Additional Resources

SERVICES FOR PERSONS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Harbor Regional Center

Harbor Regional Center is a private, non-profit that operates under contract with California’s Department of Developmental Services. The Center serves individuals with developmental disabilities, developmental delays or who are at high risk for developmental disabilities pursuant to the Lanterman Act. This facility can provide diagnosis and evaluation, information and referral, individual or family service planning, family support, and assistance in finding and using community resources. For more information, click on the link below. 

Additional Resources