In one of the nation’s most expensive housing markets, a nonprofit says subsidized loans are still available to help low-income residents in San Mateo County mobile home parks.
The Housing Endowment and Regional Trust of San Mateo County (HEART) said this week that funding remains for at least two more loans through its Mobile Home Loan Program, which launched as a pilot last year. The program provides up to $100,000 in low-interest, 30-year loans with rates ranging from 0.25% to 1% and requires no down payment.
The loans aim to help eligible residents replace deteriorating units in order to stay close to work or school.
The program is managed by HEART, an independent, county-level housing agency financially supported through a joint powers authority by San Mateo County and all its cities. The loan program is funded through Measure K, a half-cent countywide sales tax that supports public programs and social services, with allocations determined by the Board of Supervisors.
The first round of loans was funded last year at $2 million for up to 20 borrowers. To date, 18 residents have received loans since. Loan repayments will be reinvested to support future borrowers.
In San Mateo County, individuals earning below $109,700 are considered low income, the maximum income to qualify for the loan, though the threshold varies by household size. Households earning as little as $40,000 can qualify for a mobile home loan, the organization said.
HEART noted that a $100,000 loan can have monthly payments ranging from $288 to $422, depending on the interest rate, not including the land lease.
According to HEART, the length of the approval process can differ, but manufactured homes can typically be delivered within one to three months of approval.
The program has served a wide range of residents, from retirees and house cleaners to mechanics, teachers, and nurses.
“For participating families, the difference has been profound,” HEART said in a statement. “Before joining the program, residents described the challenges of living in aging RVs, including cramped sleeping arrangements, limited cooking space, and persistent weather-related issues.”
For many families, the program has had a tangible impact, HEART said.
One such family is Jesus and Griselda Lopez, who, along with their 13-year-old daughter, recently replaced their 43-year-old RV in a space at a mobile home park in unincorporated San Mateo County. They have lived in the community for decades.
“This program was life-changing,” said Jesus, a retired machine operator. “We finally have space to cook, raise our daughter, and welcome friends into our home.”
Griselda said she especially loves her upgraded kitchen, where she prepares her daughter’s favorite food: pupusas.
According to HEART, the loan can cover the demolition and removal of an old unit, as well as the purchase, delivery, permits, and installation of a new mobile home. Residents are responsible for licensing, registration, and related fees.
In addition to income restrictions, applicants must live in one of several mobile home parks in unincorporated San Mateo County, including Bayshore Villa Manufactured Housing Community, Belmont Trailer Park, La Honda Trailer Park, Pillar Ridge, Redwood Trailer Village, Sequoia Trailer Park, and Trailer Villa.
“This milestone demonstrates the urgent need for innovative, community-driven housing solutions like HEART’s Mobile Home Loan Program,” said Michael Brownrigg, board chair of HEART. “With continued support, we can help even more local families achieve stability and dignity through affordable homeownership.”
While funding is currently available for only two more applicants, HEART said it hopes to expand the program soon.
“By building on the success of the pilot, HEART aims to partner with funders and community leaders to scale this proven model, ensuring that more San Mateo County families have access to safe, affordable, and dignified housing,” the nonprofit said.