The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the implementation of federal disaster assistance for New Hampshire following severe storms and flooding from April 3 to April 5, 2024. President Biden issued a major disaster declaration for Belknap, Carroll, Rockingham, and Sullivan Counties.
Effective immediately, HUD is providing 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. Additionally, there is an automatic 90-day extension for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages.
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. The FHA Resource Center can be reached at 1-800-304-9320 for further information.
HUD’s Section 203(h) program will provide FHA insurance to disaster victims whose homes 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 the rehabilitation of existing homes if damaged.
Information on housing providers and HUD programs will be shared with FEMA and state authorities. This includes details on available units in impacted counties from Public Housing Agencies and Multi-Family owners. HUD will also connect FEMA and state officials with subject matter experts on HUD programs.
Recipients of various Community Planning and Development grants can apply for administrative flexibility in response to natural disasters. This includes funds from the Community Development Block Grant Program, Housing Opportunities for Persons With HIV/AIDS Program, Continuum of Care Program, Emergency Solutions Grants Program, HOME Program, and Housing Trust Fund Program.
Public Housing Agencies can apply for necessary waivers and flexibilities for disaster relief and recovery. Detailed information on applying for these waivers is available in the latest Federal Register Disaster Relief Notice guidance and PIH Notice 2021-34.
Tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities can also apply for administrative flexibility through regulatory waivers by contacting their local Office of Native American Programs or emailing Codetalk@hud.gov.
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are prepared to assist those impacted by natural disasters in determining their assistance needs and available resources. These services are available regardless of whether one has an FHA-insured mortgage.
The Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity is ready to assist individuals who believe they have experienced housing discrimination following the disaster. Complaints can be filed by calling HUD at 1-800-669-9777 or visiting HUD's website. Assistance is available in multiple languages, including services via the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
