Wine Country Times

The City of Napa has announced the development of a new home buyer assistance program to aid those affected by the 2017 Wine County fires.

To qualify, individuals must have either lost their home in the October 2017 Wine County fires or experienced a rent increase of 5% or more within six months of the fires.

The devastating 2017 wildfires destroyed more than 600 homes and killed seven people—including a firefighter battling a related blaze—in Napa County. It was the second-most destructive fire in California history.

The fire also marked the beginning of a flurry of blazes which ultimately burned into neighboring areas. In nearby Sonoma County, the fires incinerated an additional 5,600 homes and businesses, burned down 36,800 acres and killed 23 people.

Officials later determined that the initial fire, which developed on the evening of October 8, 2017, was caused by an electrical system on a private property.

More than three years later, many Napa County residents are still facing setbacks in their efforts to recoup their losses. By October 2020, only about 11% of individuals who had lost their homes in the fire had been able to rebuild fully.

The slow pace of recovery has been exacerbated by a number of factors, including challenges in dealing with insurance companies, new state regulations and increased construction demands.

For residents still struggling to resolve their housing situation, the Napa Valley home buyer assistance program offers the chance for renewed opportunity.

Made possible through CalHome Disaster Funds recently acquired by the city, the program includes affordable terms. Thirty-year loans for single family homes and condos come with a 1% interest rate. Twenty-year forgivable loans with a 0% interest rate are also available for manufactured homes.

The maximum loan amount is $100,000, and no monthly payments will be required. Income limits amounting to 120% of the median income also apply.

Those interested in the program should contact Andrea Clark at (707) 257-9254 or send an email to fthb@cityofnapa.org. Additional information can also be found on the City of Napa website.