The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the implementation of federal disaster assistance for Vermont, following severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides from July 9 to July 11, 2024. President Biden issued a major disaster declaration for Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Lamoille, Orleans, and Washington counties.
Assistance includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to aid individuals and business owners in recovery.
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. 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 homeowner disaster relief options or assistance with mortgages and home rehabilitation through HUD’s Section 203(h) and Section 203(k) programs respectively, individuals can call the FHA Resource Center at 1-800-304-9320 or visit the FHA Disaster Relief site.
HUD will share information on housing providers with FEMA and the State and provide subject matter experts to offer guidance on HUD programs. Flexibility is being offered to Community Planning and Development Grantees including recipients of CDBG Program funds among others. Public Housing Agencies can apply for waivers needed for disaster relief and recovery within four months of an MDD declaration.
Tribes 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 available to assist those impacted by natural disasters in determining assistance needs. For housing discrimination issues post-disaster, individuals can file a fair housing complaint with HUD by calling 1-800-669-9777 or visiting HUD's website.
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