The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced new federal disaster assistance for Kansas following severe weather events in March 2025, which included a winter storm, strong winds, flooding, and wildfires.
"HUD serves every American and works alongside communities to help rebuild homes, neighborhoods, and businesses after severe storms," said HUD Secretary Scott Turner. "To support Kansans during this time of need, HUD is providing financial flexibility and disaster recovery resources to affected communities."
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly expressed gratitude for the support: "I appreciate the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's assistance as Kansas communities continue to recover from the March severe weather events. I encourage Kansans to take advantage of these essential resources as they work to rebuild and move forward."
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) also thanked HUD for its quick response. "I am grateful for Secretary Turner's swift action to make disaster relief resources available for Kansans recovering and rebuilding from the impacts of recent wildfires and severe weather," Moran said. "I am committed to working with state, local and federal authorities to make certain Kansans receive the necessary resources to recover from this widespread damage."
U.S. Representative Derek Schmidt (R-KS-02) highlighted cooperation between different levels of government: "After the March storms, the Trump Administration worked with our state and local officials to provide Kansans with critical disaster relief," he said. "I will continue to work with them to ensure Kansans have the resources needed to rebuild and recover."
Representative Ron Estes (R-KS-04) acknowledged both federal leadership and ongoing needs: "Kansas saw extreme weather and other natural disasters this past March. It will take time for Kansans to recover and rebuild. I appreciate President Trump and Secretary Turner's steadfast work on declaring a major disaster declaration for our state earlier this year. Further, I would like to thank Secretary Turner's announcement of federal disaster assistance and financial flexibility for Kansans who were affected by the storms."
A major disaster declaration was issued by President Trump on May 23, 2025.
As part of its response, HUD has implemented several measures:
- A 90-day moratorium on foreclosures is now in place for mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), as well as mortgages guaranteed under the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee program in areas designated by a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration.
- Homeowners affected are encouraged to contact their mortgage or loan servicer immediately for assistance or visit the FHA Disaster Relief site.
- The Section 203(h) program offers FHA insurance with full financing options for homeowners whose residences require reconstruction or replacement due to damage.
- Through its Section 203(k) loan program, HUD allows individuals to finance both home purchase or refinance along with necessary repairs through a single mortgage.
- Information about available housing units will be shared among FEMA, Kansas officials, Public Housing Agencies, and multi-family property owners.
- Community Planning and Development grantees can apply for administrative flexibility regarding use of funds from various programs such as CDBG, HOPWA, CoC, ESG, HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), and Housing Trust Fund (HTF). Guidance on waivers can be found through local CPD field offices.
- Public Housing Agencies may request waivers related to disaster relief within four months of a presidentially declared major disaster; further details are provided in Federal Register Disaster Relief Notice guidance.
- Tribes receiving Indian Housing Block Grants or Indian Community Development Block Grants may also seek waivers or flexibilities after a PDD.
- HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are prepared to assist those impacted by disasters; services include foreclosure prevention counseling at no cost regardless of mortgage type.
- Assistance is available through HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity if individuals believe they have experienced housing discrimination following a disaster; complaints can be filed via phone or online.
These steps aim to help Kansas residents manage recovery efforts after significant damage caused by extreme weather earlier this year.
