Library: English | FEMA spells federal disaster relief for homeowners and renters

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a variety of programs to help victims of disasters repair, rebuild or replace their homes and possessions. This publication describes the types of FEMA assistance available to homeowners and renters and provides details about program eligibility and the application process. It also highlights the limitations of FEMA assistance and stresses the importance of purchasing adequate personal insurance coverage.

Library: English | Disaster insurance and FEMA assistance (Q&A): Questions and answers for homeowners and renters

This backgrounder, written in Q&A format, answers many questions about renters and homeowners disaster insurance coverage and FEMA programs that help victims recover from disaster-related losses.

Library: English | Financing Home Repairs (2006)

This publication outlines some ways to finance repairs and improvements to your home and how to protect yourself from home improvement problems that might cost you money. It covers personal loans, Federal Housing Authority (FHA) loans, home equity loans, and for veterans who live in California, CalVet loans.

Library: English | Don’t Lose Your Home (2006): How to Avoid Home Equity Loan Fraud

A brochure that explains how a “home equity loan” allows you to borrow money against your home’s equity. However, your home secures the loan; if you are unable to make the home equity loan payments, you can lose your house. This fact sheet explains the need for caution when agreeing to such loans.

Library: English | Questions and Answers About Home Equity Loan Fraud: CBO leader's guide to accompany 'Don't Lose Your Home: How to Avoid Home Equity Loan Fraud' fact sheet

A manual for community and consumer advocates working to educate senior, low income and minority home owners about the dangers of home equity loan fraud. Topics covered include home improvements, hiring a contractor, warning signs of fraud and the possibility of losing your home through a home equity loan.