The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the implementation of federal disaster assistance for Iowa, following severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds, and tornadoes that began on June 16, 2024. President Biden has issued a major disaster declaration for Clay, Emmet, Lyon, Plymouth, and Sioux Counties.
Effective immediately, HUD is providing a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) as well as foreclosures of mortgages to Native American borrowers guaranteed under the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee program. There is also a 90-day extension granted automatically for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages. The moratorium and extension are effective from the date of the President’s disaster declaration.
Homeowners affected by the disaster are advised to contact their mortgage or loan servicer immediately for assistance. Conventional mortgage holders may also be eligible for additional relief through their mortgage holder. For more information, individuals can call the FHA Resource Center at 1-800-304-9320 or visit the FHA Disaster Relief site.
HUD's Section 203(h) program will provide FHA insurance to disaster victims when homes are destroyed or require reconstruction or complete replacement. Borrowers from participating FHA-approved lenders are eligible for 100 percent financing including closing costs.
Additionally, HUD's Section 203(k) loan program allows individuals to finance both the purchase or refinance of a house along with its repair through a single mortgage. This includes financing rehabilitation of existing homes if damaged.
Information on housing providers and HUD programs will be shared with FEMA and state authorities in impacted counties. This includes Public Housing Agencies and Multi-Family owners who may have available units. HUD will also connect FEMA and state authorities with subject matter experts on HUD programs and providers.
Recipients of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program funds and other related programs can apply for administrative flexibility in response to natural disasters. Public Housing Agencies can also apply for waivers and flexibilities for disaster relief and recovery as per PIH Notice 2021-34.
Tribes and their Tribally Designated Housing Entities can apply for regulatory waivers through their local Office of Native American Programs or via email at Codetalk@hud.gov.
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are ready to assist those impacted by natural disasters in determining assistance needs and available resources. Assistance is available via telephone look-up at (800) 569-4287 with access to information in over 200 languages.
Lastly, HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity is available to assist people who believe they have experienced housing discrimination following a disaster. Complaints can be filed by calling HUD at 1-800-669-9777 or visiting How to File a Complaint on HUD's website.
