The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the implementation of federal disaster assistance for Nebraska, following severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding from May 20 to June 3, 2024. This federal aid aims to supplement state, Tribal, and local recovery efforts.
President Biden issued a major disaster declaration for the affected counties: Burt, Butler, Colfax, Dodge, Douglas, Dundy, Fillmore, Hamilton, Hayes, Hitchcock, Howard, Keith, Platte, Polk, Red Willow, Saunders, and Washington.
Effective immediately:
- A 90-day moratorium on foreclosures of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is in place. This also applies to foreclosures of mortgages to Native American borrowers under the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee program. Additionally, a 90-day extension is granted automatically for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages.
Homeowners impacted 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 further information on FHA disaster relief options:
- Call the FHA Resource Center at 1-800-304-9320
- Visit the FHA Disaster Relief site
Other measures include:
- 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.
- Financing options under HUD's Section 203(k) loan program enable individuals to finance both the purchase or refinance of a house and its repair through a single mortgage.
HUD will share information with FEMA and state authorities on housing providers that may have available units in affected counties. It will also connect FEMA and state authorities with subject matter experts on HUD programs and providers.
Community Planning and Development Grantees can apply for administrative flexibility in response to natural disasters. This includes recipients of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Housing Opportunities for Persons With HIV/AIDS (HOPWA), Continuum of Care (CoC), Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), HOME Program funds among others.
Public Housing Agencies can apply for waivers and flexibilities needed for disaster relief and recovery as per PIH Notice 2021-34 guidance. Applications must be submitted within four months of an active Presidentially declared Major Disaster Declaration area.
Tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities can apply for administrative flexibility through regulatory waivers by contacting 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. These services are accessible via telephone look-up tool at (800) 569-4287 with support in over 200 languages.
For issues related to housing discrimination following a disaster:
- Contact HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at 1-800-669-9777
- File a complaint online through HUD’s website
Materials are available for persons with limited English proficiency. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may use the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339. Complaints should be filed as soon as possible within one year after the last discriminatory act.
