Hecm Borrowers Impacted By California’s Eaton Fire Offered Free Workshop

Homeowners impacted by January’s Eaton Fire in Los Angeles are being offered a free reverse mortgage insurance workshop through the California Department of Insurance.

News outlet Pasadena Now first reported on the event, which is set to take place on Aug. 16. The event aims to assist residents in navigating insurance claims and disputes related to reverse mortgages and wildfire damage.

According to the announcement, the session “will help guide you on how to work with the Department on any issues you may be having with your agent or adjuster during the claims process.”

The workshop, which will be led by representatives from the state Department of Insurance, will offer advice on communicating effectively with insurance agents and adjusters, especially for those facing challenges in the claims process.

This event is part of the ongoing recovery efforts following the Eaton Fire, which was one of multiple blazes that ravaged homes throughout Los Angeles County earlier this year.

While the workshop is open to the public, there will be a focus on homeowners whose properties were damaged by the fire. Support for the event comes from a coalition of organizations that include CalAssist Mortgage Fund, the Los Angeles County Development Authority and Neighborhood Housing Services.

Other events with similar purposes have been held in the past. In May, the Los Angeles County Aging and Disabilities Department hosted a special event designed to help older residents whose homes were damaged by the Eaton Fire, causing them to face property damage or loss while maintaining a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM).

The January 2025 Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles destroyed thousands of residential properties, leaving lasting physical and financial damage to Southern California’s housing market. Combined, the January 2025 fires destroyed roughly 11,000 homes with an estimated value of nearly $30 billion.

Real estate technology firm and listings portal Homes.com found that the Eaton fire destroyed about 5,560 homes across seven neighborhoods, with an estimated value of $7.8 billion. The Palisades Fire destroyed approximately 5,480 homes across 11 neighborhoods, with an estimated value of $22 billion.