VENTURA COUNTY — Ventura County residents affected by the Mountain Fire are eligible to apply for grants of up to $1,000, the Ventura County Coastal Association of Realtors (VCCAR) announced on Dec. 19.
The funds are part of a $125,000 Realtors Relief Grant awarded by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to VCCAR and the Conejo Simi Moorpark Association of Realtors (CSMAR).
After erupting on November 6, the fire burned almost 20,000 acres and destroyed at least 240 structures. Thousands of county residents were forced to evacuate.
“As soon as the Mountain Fire exploded and forced so many people to quickly evacuate, VCCAR and CSMAR immediately asked NAR to approve a Realtors Relief Grant to help county residents who were affected by the fire,” said Cami Pinsak, a Camarillo Realtor who is this year’s VCCAR president. “This initiative is an example of the commitment of VCCAR and its partners to supporting the local community during times of crisis. By addressing immediate housing needs, the program aims to provide a measure of stability to people who suffered losses.”
Qualified applicants may receive assistance in one of the following categories:
- Monthly Mortgage Expense: Relief for the primary residence damaged by the Mountain Fire.
- Rental Cost Assistance: Support for those displaced from their primary residence as a result of the Mountain Fire.
- Hotel Reimbursement: Compensation for hotel expenses incurred due to displacement from the primary residence.
Assistance is limited to a maximum of $1,000 per household and is strictly for housing-related expenses. It does not cover costs associated with second mortgages, home equity lines of credit, clothing, appliances, equipment, vehicle purchase or repair, mileage, or other non-housing-related expenses.
Applications for relief must be submitted by January 31, 2025. Applications can be downloaded fromhttps://vcrealtors.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Relief-Assistance-Application_Ventura_Conejo_WF.pdf
VCCAR represents Realtors serving the West County, including hard-hit Camarillo. CSMAR represents agents serving the East County, including the Somis area.