Nevada County MORE Program: Repair & Replace Mobile Homes for Affordability

The Nevada County Manufactured Housing Opportunity and Revitalization (MORE) program provides critical funding for low and moderate-income homeowners to repair or replace aging mobile homes, directly addressing housing affordability and safety. This initiative is essential for preserving a vital segment of California's housing stock, as the average manufactured home costs $154,500—a fraction of the state's $786,000 median site-built home price. The program prioritizes health, safety, and accessibility upgrades, with full replacements available for pre-1976 units or when repairs exceed $75,000. For qualifying households, the MORE program represents a sustainable path to secure, stable homeownership.

What is the Nevada County MORE Program and Why is it Needed?

The MORE program is a local government effort designed to extend the lifespan and habitability of manufactured housing. Manufactured homes, formerly known as mobile homes, are factory-built housing units that are transported to a site. They are a crucial source of Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH), which refers to housing that is affordable without government subsidy. However, many older units, particularly those built before 1976 when federal HUD code standards took effect, suffer from significant deferred maintenance. This poses direct risks to residents from issues like faulty wiring or failing foundations and threatens the loss of affordable units from California's already strained housing supply. Based on our experience assessment, programs like MORE are a practical response to preserving existing affordable stock rather than relying solely on new construction.

Who Qualifies for the Mobile Home Repair and Replacement Assistance?

Eligibility for the MORE program is targeted to ensure assistance reaches those most in need. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Ownership and Residence: The applicant must own and live in a mobile home located within a Nevada County mobile home park.
• Income Limits: Household income cannot exceed 80% of the area median income (AMI). For 2026, this translates to approximately $58,350 for a single-person household and $83,350 for a family of four.
• Commitment to Stay: Homeowners must agree to remain in the home for a minimum of two years after the work is completed.

Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, but priority is given to homes with existing health and safety code violations identified by local officials.

What Specific Repairs and Upgrades Does the MORE Program Cover?

The program funding is comprehensive, focusing on critical improvements that impact quality of life and safety. Covered items include:

• Health and Safety Repairs: Correction of faulty electrical systems, plumbing leaks, damaged roofing, and unsafe heating systems.
• Accessibility Upgrades: Modifications such as wheelchair ramps or walk-in showers for residents with mobility challenges.
• Energy-Efficiency Improvements: Installation of better insulation, energy-star rated windows, and modern, efficient HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems to reduce utility costs.

In cases where a home was constructed before the 1976 HUD code implementation or where the cost of necessary repairs surpasses $75,000, the program can fund a complete replacement with a new, compliant manufactured home.

How Does Preserving Mobile Homes Impact the Broader Housing Market?

Preserving manufactured housing is a cost-effective strategy for addressing the affordable housing crisis. Unlike traditional real estate, which typically appreciates over time, mobile homes often depreciate, creating financial challenges for owners. The MORE program helps stabilize vulnerable communities by preventing displacement and maintaining affordability without the lengthy timeline and high cost of new development. By investing in existing housing infrastructure, local governments can make an immediate impact on housing stability for low-income seniors and families.

To navigate the application process, homeowners should gather documentation of income, ownership, and any existing inspection reports. Understanding that this program is a targeted investment can help communities advocate for similar initiatives, recognizing that preserving affordable housing is as important as building it new.