Office of Community Affairs (OCA)

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The Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs (OCA) offers services and resources for Fresno residents. It engages all members of the Fresno community by serving as the City government’s liaison to key constituent groups associations, multicultural and immigrant populations, faith-based, civic and human service, and other including community benefit organizations. The OCA operates as a division of the Mayor’s Office.

SIGN UP FOR THE OCA CIVIC ACADEMY

The goal of the OCA is to assist in the practical delivery of the ‘One Fresno Mission’ by fostering unity and equity across the City of Fresno.

The vitality of Fresno relies on our willingness to roll up our sleeves and contribute to Fresno’s health and vitality as we work together toward a common mission to improve our community.

GET INVOLVED

Homebuyer Resources

First-Time home buyers’ Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP)
Informational Brochure

Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP): (CLOSED)


Bank of America 

(1) America’s Home Grant program offers a lender credit of up to $7,500 that can be used towards non-recurring closing costs, like title insurance and recording fees, or to permanently buy down the interest rate. The funds do not require repayment. 

(2) Down Payment Grant program offers a grant of up to 3% of the home purchase price, up to $10,000 to be used for a down payment in select markets. The grant program is available with one mortgage product. The funds do not require repayment. 

To learn more visit: Bank of America’s program 

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U.S. Bank Access Home Loan Program

U.S. Bank provides access to homeownership with Access Home Loan Program, a mortgage Special Purpose Credit Program (SPCP) that provides up to $12,500 in down payment assistance, closing cost, required repairs, or improvements. Up to an additional $5,000 lender credit which can be used to buy down your mortgage rate. You only need 3% of your new home’s purchase price. For more information on the program click here.

Bank of America provides up to $17,500 in down payment and closing costs to help homebuyers

Down Payment Grant program helps buyers overcome the biggest barrier to homeownership – down payment. In the Fresno area, eligible buyers can receive 3% of the home’s purchase price up to $10,000, whichever is less, to be used toward their down payment. No repayment is required.

America’s Home Grant® program offers a lender credit of up to $7,500 that can be used towards non-recurring closing costs, like title insurance and recording fees, or to permanently buy down the interest rate. The funds do not require repayment and can be combined with funds from the Down Payment grant program listed above.

To learn more:
Visit the Bank of America Community Homeownership Commitment Program, here.

Homebuyer Education and Down-Payment Assistance 

 The City of Fresno is proud to announce homebuyer education and down-payment assistance programs with two organizations that are focused on increasing first time homeownership in the African American and Latino communities in the Realtist of Fresno County and the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) respectively. The City of Fresno is proud to announce homebuyer education and down-payment assistance programs with two organizations that are focused on increasing first time homeownership in the African American and Latino communities in the Realtist of Fresno County and the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) respectively.

To learn more, contact:
Lionel Akpovi, The Fresno Realtist Tel (559) 860-9016 [email protected]; or

To contact NAHREP Fresno (Ask to speak to the NAHREP representative) Tel (559) 372-2823 or;
To register for an upcoming workshop,
visit: Llaves de tu Casa workshops

California Mortgage Relief Program

If you are falling behind on your housing payments… you’re not alone. Help is here for California homeowners. The California Mortgage Relief Program started during the COVID-19 pandemic, and uses funds from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act’s Homeowners Assistance Fund. It helps homeowners with past-due payments. The state is now raising the income limit to qualify. The relief money can also be used to help pay past-due property taxes. People can receive a maximum of $80,000. Applicants must meet all of the following requirements to apply:

  • Own, or reside in a single-family home, condo or permanently affixed manufactured home (housing unit) in California
  • Be behind on at least two mortgage payments before the end of 2021
  • Faced a COVID-19 pandemic-related financial hardship after Jan. 21, 2020
  • Make 150% or less of Fresno County’s median income

Applicants must also meet at least one of the following requirements.

  • Receive public assistance
  • More than 40% of income goes to housing costs
  • Have no alternative workout option through mortgage servicer

Individuals can apply at https://camortgagerelief.org/. Any additional questions can be answered by U.S. Housing and Urban Development-certified housing counselors at 1-800-569-4287. The California Mortgage Relief Program can be reached at 1-888-840-2594. For emails, homeowners can expect a response within three business days at [email protected].

CalHFA’s California Dream for All

CalHFA down payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers. The program offers up to 20% for down payment or closing costs, not to exceed $150,000. Homebuyer must register for a voucher. A randomized drawing will select registrants who will receive the voucher. The Voucher Registration Portal is open until Monday, April 29, 2024, at 5 p.m. PDT. Be sure to contact an Approved Lender to get your Pre-Approval letter. The approved Lender list is available on the CalHFA website. 

Click here to learn more

FHLB of San Francisco’s WISH Program

Workforce Initiative Subsidy for Homeownership (WISH) is a downpayment and closing cost assistance program that provides matching funds for eligible first-time homebuyers. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

  • Available for first-time homebuyers 
  • Must be at or below 80% of HUD area median income 

(HUD median income varies by County) 

  • Forgivable loan for a primary residence for five years 
  • Amount owed for the WISH grant will decrease 20% each year the borrower retains ownership as their primary residence and complies with the grant program requirements 

To learn more visit: Visit FHLBank San Francisco Community Programs 

A special purpose credit program designed to increase homeownership in historically disadvantaged communities. Approved customers receive a closing cost credit of up to 3% of the loan, up to $7,500. The credit can be used to cover closing costs or to pay for discount points in order to reduce the interest rate. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

  • Property must be in a designated majority Black and/or Hispanic census tract within the Tri Counties Bank assessment area 
  • Property must be owner-occupied 
  • Borrower’s income must be at or below 150% of the area’s median income 
  • This program can be used for home purchases and refinances 

To learn more visit: Tri Counties Bank Program

Guild Mortgage Downpayment Assistance Programs 

(1) 1% Down Payment Advantage program: With the 1% Down Payment Advantage program, a customer brings in 1% down and Guild provides a 2% grant up to $5,000 (that doesn’t have to be repaid) along with a 1% interest rate buydown for the first year (with a lender-paid temporary buydown). 

(2) Zero Down Program: Temporary buydown options make it possible to purchase a home. With no down payment requirement and a lower interest rate for the first 1-2 years, you can buy now and save at the start of your loan. Primary residence purchase transactions only. Income limits apply. 

(3) HomeReady First: With this program, customers living in select census tracts can receive $5,000 from Fannie Mae and an additional $1,500 from Guild Mortgage for home purchases. 

(4) 3-2-1 Home Plus: With as little as 3% down, you can receive a $2,000 eGift card to The Home Depot plus up to $2,500 towards closing costs and/or downpayment for first-time homebuyers. Conventional financing with as little as 3% down payment is required. 

To learn more visit: Visit Guild Mortgage programs

Arrive Home Downpayment Assistance Program 

Arrive Homes’ DPA product is paired with an FHA-insured first mortgage and grants borrowers access to a down payment ranging from 3.5% to 5% of the purchase price or appraised value of the home. 

Click here to learn more

Self-Help Downpayment Assistance Programs 

(1) SAFE Equity Boost Home loan option has built in Downpayment Assistance-like funds where Self-Help lends $20,000 at 0% for 30 years to eligible applicants in Fresno County. To qualify, applicants must earn less than 80% AMI or if they earn more than 80% AMI, they cannot exceed 150% AMI and must be first-time homebuyers. Equity 

Boost allows financing up to 105 Loan To Value with no Private Mortgage Insurance, allowing buyers to purchase with as little as 1% out of pocket. 

(2) Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta: Self-Help’s partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, offers a $12,500 grant to first-time home buyers whose household income is at or below 80% AMI. This downpayment assistance is available to both SSN and ITIN applicants alike while funding lasts. To learn more vist: Visit Self-Help

CalHFA My Home by BMO 

A silent 3% down as a second mortgage and a $3,000 grant can be combined . The grants available depend on the County. Visit a local branch for detailed information. To learn more visit: BMO website 

US Citizenship and Immigrant Community Support

Saludos and welcome to the immigrant affairs liaison page. The Dyer Administration is committed to building One Fresno. The vision for one Fresno is:

‘An inclusive, prosperous, beautiful, and safe city, where people take pride in their neighborhoods and communities. A government that listens, keeps its promises, and is owned by the people.’

We believe this vision should be realized by all Fresnans. To make this vision a reality, a liaison position was created to bridge a gap between the Latin American/immigrant communities and the resources available in our City.  According to the 2015-2019 American Community Survey, Fresno is home to 77,000 immigrants – 87% of these come from Mexico and Central America. Latin American immigrants have contributed to all parts of our community, and we are interested in serving each member to the best of our ability – We work for you!

The main responsibilities of the Immigrant Affairs Liaison role include:

  • Direct constituent services
  • Development of an immigrant community-specific needs survey and implementation plan
  • Serving as the city’s main representative on collaborative tables focused on immigrant integration

Volunteer in Fresno

volunteer

The Dyer Administration believes that everyone has something valuable to give back to their community. For us to become all the Fresno is destined to be, every member of our community investing their own ‘sweat equity’ in this place we call home matters. Please select one of the following ways to get involved.

City of Fresno CBO Directory

The OCA is committed to connecting our constituents with the vast resources our city has to offer. Feel free to find an organization with resources/services to meet your needs below.

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Community Calendar

Click the following interactive calendar to find out events going on in the community. (Note: this list is not exhaustive however we will aim to update regularly).

OCA NEWSROOM


Rental and Landlord Support

See the City of Fresno Emergency Rental Assistance Program page:

Youth Programs

Investing in and giving voice to the leaders of tomorrow, today.

CBO / Non-Profit Community

The City of Fresno’s Office of Community Affairs is committed to connecting its residents to the wealth of resources, services, and supports offered by local Community Benefit and Faith-Based Organizations. To facilitate both a connection to the community and in an effort to strategically identify areas where the City and CBO / Faith-based organizations align in mission, we have built an interactive online interface that will allow us to collectively better serve our community.

Please click the Survey button to take a short 10-minute survey. This will help us strategically partner, identify potential joint funding opportunities, and ultimately realize a ‘One Fresno.’ Feel free to email us at [email protected]v if you have any questions.

Transportation Support

Department of Transportation – FAX: Fresno Area Express

Public Health and Safety

The Dyer Administration’s focus on public health aims to promote and protect the health of people in the community where we live, learn, work and play. The Office of Community Affairs is proud to connect Fresnan’s with public health-related resources and assistance?

Public Safety

The Dyer Administration believes that all good government is founded on the establishment of public trust and safety. The Office of Community Affairs is proud to connect Fresnan’s with public safety-related resources and assistance.

FresGO is a free, easy-to-use, real-time app for residents to report issues, track requests, provide comments, and learn about City services. With FresGO, you don’t need to know which department does what – service requests are automatically routed to the proper department.

For emergencies, please call 911.
For non-emergencies, you may also call (559) 621-7000.

Asian/Pacific Islander Community Support

JoeLeeHeadshots

Hello and welcome to the Asian/Pacific Islander liaison section. The Dyer Administration is committed to building One Fresno. The vision for One Fresno is:

‘An inclusive, prosperous, beautiful city where people take pride in their neighborhoods and communities. A government that listens, keeps its promises, and is owned by the people.’

We believe this vision should be realized by all Fresnans. Gnia “Joe” Lee is the Asian/Pacific Islander liaison who will help make this vision a reality. The liaison position was created to bridge a gap between the Asian-Indian communities and the resources available in our city.  Per the 2000 census, Fresno is home to 78,000 Asian/Pacific Islander residents who have contributed to all parts of our community, and we are interested in serving each member to the best of our ability. We work for you!

If you are interested in finding out more about this position or to contact Mr. Lee directly, call (559) 355-9429 or email [email protected].

Disability Services

The City of Fresno is committed to ensuring that its website is accessible to people with disabilities. This information can be found here:

BIPOC Community Support

bpioc

Hello and welcome to the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color liaison section. The Dyer Administration is committed to building One Fresno. The vision for One Fresno is:

‘An inclusive, prosperous, beautiful city where people take pride in their neighborhoods and communities. A government that listens, keeps its promises, and is owned by the people.’

We believe this vision should be realized by all Fresnans. BT Lewis serves as the OCA’s BIPOC Liaison, where he works to bridge the gap between the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities and all the resources available in our city. Per the 2000 census, Fresno is home to 42,500 black and indigenous residents who have contributed to all parts of our community, and we are interested in serving each member to the best of our ability. We work for you!

If you are interested in finding out more or to contact Mr. Lewis directly, call (559)903-4539 or email [email protected].

Faith Based Community Support

Contact the following email for more information:

Indian Liaison

JRTemple

Hello and welcome to the Indian liaison section. The Dyer Administration is committed to building One Fresno. The vision for One Fresno is:

‘An inclusive, prosperous, beautiful city where people take pride in their neighborhoods and communities. A government that listens, keeps its promises, and is owned by the people.’

We believe this vision should be realized by all Fresnans. Harjinder ‘JR’ Saini serves as the Indian Liaison and works directly with the community to make this vision a reality. The liaison position was created to bridge a gap between the Asian-Indian community and the resources available in our city. Per the 2000 census, Fresno is home to 4,123 Asian-Indian residents who have contributed to all parts of our community, and we are interested in serving each member to the best of our ability. We work for you!

If you are interested in finding out more about this position or to contact Mr. Saini directly, call (559) 365-1090 or email [email protected].

Latino Liaison

OCANicolasMadrigal

Hello and welcome to the Latino liaison section. The Dyer Administration is committed to building One Fresno. The vision for One Fresno is:

‘An inclusive, prosperous, beautiful city where people take pride in their neighborhoods and communities. A government that listens, keeps its promises, and is owned by the people.’

We believe this vision should be realized by all Fresnans. Nicolas Madrigal is the OCA’s Latino liaison who will help make this vision a reality. The liaison position was created to bridge a gap between the Latino community and the resources available in our city. Per 2022 census estimates, more than half of Fresno’s population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, and we are interested in serving each member to the best of our ability. We work for you!

LGBTQ+ Support

RobinTower

Hello and welcome to the LGBTQ liaison page. The Dyer Administration is committed to building One Fresno. The vision for One Fresno is:

‘An inclusive, prosperous, beautiful city where people take pride in their neighborhoods and communities. A government that listens, keeps its promises, and is owned by the people.’

We believe this vision should be realized by all Fresnans. To make this vision a reality, we have created the LGBTQ liaison position that is held by Robin McGehee.  The liaison position was created to bridge a gap between the LGBTQ community and the resources available in our City.  Robin brings years of community engagement, connections, and relationships to the position and is here to serve. We work for you!

If you are interested in finding out more about this position or to contact Robin directly, call 559-508-6421 or email [email protected].

Report an Issue

Report an Issue by contacting 3-1-1. See link below.

To report fraud, hate crimes or to simply
contact our office please email [email protected]