The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the implementation of federal disaster assistance for Florida following Hurricane Helene, which began on September 23, 2024. President Biden has issued a major disaster declaration for several counties in the state.
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. These measures are effective from the date of the President’s disaster declaration.
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, individuals can call the FHA Resource Center at 1-800-304-9320 or visit the FHA Disaster Relief site.
HUD is making mortgage insurance available through its Section 203(h) program, which provides FHA insurance to disaster victims needing reconstruction or complete replacement of homes. 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. This program also allows homeowners to finance rehabilitation if their homes have been damaged.
Information on housing providers and HUD programs will be shared with FEMA and the State to identify available units in impacted counties. The Department will connect FEMA and the State with subject matter experts regarding HUD programs and providers.
Recipients of Community Development Block Grant Program funds and other similar programs can apply for administrative flexibility in response to declared major disasters. Public Housing Agencies can apply for waivers and flexibilities needed for disaster relief and recovery.
Tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities can also seek 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 assistance needs and available resources. Individuals can find an agency online or use a telephone look-up tool by calling (800) 569-4287.
The Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity is available to assist those 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. Materials and assistance are available for persons with limited English proficiency, and services are accessible via the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.
