The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today the implementation of federal disaster assistance for Kansas, following severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding on May 19, 2024. This action aims to supplement state, Tribal, and local recovery efforts.
President Biden issued a major disaster declaration for the affected counties: Barton, Ellsworth, Harvey, Hodgeman, Lincoln, Morris, Ottawa, Pawnee, Reno, Rush, Russell, Stafford, Wabaunsee, and Wyandotte.
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. A 90-day extension is also granted automatically 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.
For more information on FHA-related disaster relief options or to speak with a representative from the FHA Resource Center call 1-800-304-9320 or visit the FHA Disaster Relief site.
- Mortgage insurance will be made available through HUD’s Section 203(h) program which provides FHA insurance to disaster victims requiring reconstruction or complete replacement of homes. Borrowers from participating FHA-approved lenders are eligible for 100 percent financing including closing costs.
- Financing will be available for both mortgage and home rehabilitation through HUD's Section 203(k) loan program. This enables individuals to finance both the purchase or refinance of a house along with its repair through a single mortgage.
- Information on housing providers and HUD programs will be shared with FEMA and the State to assist in locating available units in impacted counties. Public Housing Agencies and Multi-Family owners will also be included in this effort.
- Flexibility will be provided to Community Planning and Development Grantees who can apply for administrative flexibility in response to natural disasters across various programs such as CDBG Program and HOPWA Program among others.
- Public Housing Agencies can apply for needed waivers and flexibilities related to disaster relief. Detailed information on applying can be found in the latest Federal Register Disaster Relief Notice guidance or PIH Notice 2021-34.
- Tribes and their Tribally Designated Housing Entities can 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 ready to assist those impacted by natural disasters in determining assistance needs and available resources. To find an agency online or use telephone look-up tools call (800) 569-4287 which includes access to information in over 200 languages.
Assistance with housing discrimination is available through HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. Individuals who believe they have experienced housing discrimination should file a complaint with HUD either by calling 1-800-669-9777 or visiting How to File a Complaint on HUD's website. Assistance is also available via the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
