The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced federal disaster assistance for Vermont following severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that occurred from July 29 to July 31, 2024. This aid aims to support state and local recovery efforts in the affected areas.
President Biden issued a major disaster declaration for the counties of Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans.
Effective immediately, HUD is implementing several measures:
- 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. An automatic 90-day extension is also granted for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages.
Homeowners impacted by the disaster are encouraged to contact their mortgage or loan servicer for assistance. Conventional mortgage holders may also qualify for additional relief through their mortgage holder. The FHA Resource Center can be reached at 1-800-304-9320 for more 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 enables individuals to finance both the purchase or refinance of a house and its repair through a single mortgage. Homeowners can also finance the rehabilitation of existing homes if damaged.
Information on housing providers and HUD programs will be shared with FEMA and the State of Vermont to assist those in need. This includes connecting them with Public Housing Agencies and Multi-Family owners who may have available units in the impacted counties.
Recipients of various HUD programs such as Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Housing Opportunities for Persons With HIV/AIDS (HOPWA), Continuum of Care (CoC), Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), HOME Investment Partnership Program, and Housing Trust Fund (HTF) can apply for administrative flexibility in response to Presidentially Declared Major Disasters. For more information on applying for waivers or suspensions, contact your local Community Planning and Development Program Office.
Public Housing Agencies can also apply for necessary waivers and flexibilities related to disaster relief and recovery. Detailed information on applying for these waivers is available in the latest Federal Register Disaster Relief Notice guidance.
Tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities are eligible to apply for administrative flexibility through regulatory waivers. They should contact their local Office of Native American Programs or email Codetalk@hud.gov for detailed instructions.
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are prepared to assist those impacted by natural disasters in determining their needs and available resources. These agencies can be found online or by calling (800) 569-4287.
Lastly, HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity is available to assist individuals who believe they have experienced housing discrimination following a disaster. Complaints can be filed by calling HUD at 1-800-669-9777 or visiting HUD's website.
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