For issues like a leaking roof, aging plumbing, electrical faults, or a broken heating system or water heater—repairs that can easily cost thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars—many cities with large Chinese-American populations are now offering interest-free loans, and in some cases, grants that do not need to be repaid.
Starting in October, the City of Diamond Bar began offering residents zero-interest, deferred-repayment loans of up to $35,000. The City of Walnut offers similar zero-interest, deferred-repayment loans of up to $30,000, which can be combined with grants—bringing the total potential assistance to $45,000. The cities of Temple City and Alhambra have also implemented comparable programs. However, eligibility requirements, grant amounts, eligible property types, and funding availability vary by city; residents should check with their local municipal government for specific details.
Diamond Bar: Up to $35,000 for Single-Family Homes; Up to $20,000 for Condominiums
The City of Diamond Bar currently offers zero-interest, deferred-repayment loans to eligible homeowners. These interest-free loans range from $5,000 to $35,000 for single-family homes, and from $5,000 to $20,000 for condominiums. Eligible repair projects include plumbing, electrical systems, roofing, termite or pest control, door and window replacement, exterior home repairs, and the installation of accessibility features for individuals with limited mobility.
A key feature of this program is that homeowners are not required to make monthly payments. The loans are interest-free and generally only need to be repaid when the property is sold, the title is transferred, or the mortgage is refinanced. Due to limited funding, applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must meet federal low- or moderate-income standards, and the property must be located within the City of Diamond Bar. For more information, please contact the Diamond Bar Community Development Department at 909-839-7030.
Walnut: Loans Combined with Grants—Up to $45,000 in Total Assistance
The City of Walnut’s current residential renovation program offers deferred-repayment loans alongside repair grants that do not require repayment. Eligible homeowners may apply for a zero-interest, deferred-repayment loan of up to $30,000, in addition to a repair grant of up to $12,500. Grants do not need to be repaid, while loans are interest-free and generally only require repayment upon the transfer of property ownership or refinancing.
Applicants must provide documentation such as proof of income, recent property tax statements, proof of homeowners insurance, and identification. As program funding is limited, applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. For further details, please contact the Walnut Residential Rehabilitation Program consultant at 909-476-9696, ext. 117.
City of Temple City: Interest-Free Loans of Up to $35,000
Temple City also offers residential rehabilitation loans. Eligible residents may apply for interest-free loans of up to $35,000 to address issues related to a home’s heating, plumbing, electrical systems, or structural integrity. These loans feature deferred repayment; they typically only become due when the property is sold, ownership changes, the mortgage is refinanced, or other specific changes in residency status occur.
The Temple City housing program also includes repair grants, as well as assistance for asbestos testing and removal. Applicants must meet specific household size and annual income requirements, and the property must generally be a single-family home occupied by the owner. For more information, please contact the City of Temple City at 626-285-2171, ext. 4313.
City of Alhambra: Programs Available for Both Large-Scale and Small-Scale Repairs