The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced federal disaster assistance for Alaska following the flooding that affected the City and Borough of Juneau from August 5 to August 6, 2024. This comes after President Biden issued a major disaster declaration for the area.
HUD is implementing several measures to aid recovery efforts. "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," HUD stated. A similar extension applies to Home Equity Conversion Mortgages, effective from the date of the President's disaster declaration.
Homeowners impacted by the disaster are advised to contact their mortgage or loan servicer immediately. Additional relief may be available for conventional mortgage holders through their mortgage provider. For more information, affected individuals can call the FHA Resource Center at 1-800-304-9320 or visit the FHA Disaster Relief site.
To assist those whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged, HUD’s Section 203(h) program offers FHA insurance for disaster victims, allowing eligible borrowers from participating lenders to receive full financing including closing costs. Additionally, HUD's Section 203(k) loan program provides financing options for both purchasing and rehabilitating homes through a single mortgage.
Information regarding housing providers and HUD programs will be shared with FEMA and state authorities to identify available units in affected areas. HUD will also facilitate connections between FEMA, state entities, and subject matter experts on its programs.
Recipients of Community Development Block Grant Program funds and other related programs can apply for administrative flexibility due to Presidentially Declared Major Disasters in Alaska (DR-4836). Public Housing Agencies have similar opportunities for waivers and flexibilities in disaster relief efforts.
Tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities can request regulatory waivers for needed administrative flexibility. For assistance with these applications, they should contact their local Office of Native American Programs or email Codetalk@hud.gov.
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are ready to support those impacted by natural disasters by assessing assistance needs and resources available. These services are accessible without an FHA-insured mortgage requirement, offering free foreclosure prevention counseling.
The Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at HUD is prepared to assist individuals who believe they have experienced housing discrimination during this time. Complaints can be filed with HUD via phone at 1-800-669-9777 or online through their website.
