The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the implementation of federal disaster assistance for New Mexico, following the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire that began on June 17, 2024. President Biden issued a major disaster declaration for Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Tribe.

Effective immediately, HUD is offering several forms of assistance:

1. A 90-day moratorium on foreclosures of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and those guaranteed under the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee program. This includes a 90-day extension for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages.

2. Making mortgage insurance available through HUD’s Section 203(h) program, which provides FHA insurance to disaster victims requiring reconstruction or complete replacement of homes.

3. Allowing individuals to finance both mortgage and home rehabilitation through HUD's Section 203(k) loan program.

4. Sharing information with FEMA and state authorities on housing providers that may have available units in affected areas.

5. Providing flexibility to Community Planning and Development Grantees in response to natural disasters.

6. Offering waivers and flexibilities for Public Housing Agencies regarding disaster relief and recovery.

7. Enabling Tribes and their Tribally Designated Housing Entities to apply for administrative flexibility through regulatory waivers.

8. Ensuring HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are ready to assist those impacted by natural disasters.

Additionally, HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity is prepared to assist individuals who believe they have experienced housing discrimination during their search for housing post-disaster.

For more information on these resources, homeowners can contact the FHA Resource Center at 1-800-304-9320 or visit the FHA Disaster Relief site.