The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced new federal disaster assistance for Mississippi following severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding that occurred on March 14-15, 2025.
HUD Secretary Scott Turner stated, “HUD serves every American and works alongside communities to help rebuild homes, neighborhoods, and businesses after severe storms. To support Mississippians during this time of need, HUD is providing financial flexibility and disaster recovery resources to affected communities.”
U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, chair of the Senate Transportation-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee, commented on the response: “There is a lot of work ahead for those whose lives were upended by the March storms, and I appreciate HUD for making resources available for homeowners and communities. I hope areas covered by the President’s disaster declaration can make good use of these disaster recovery tools where appropriate.”
A major disaster declaration was issued by President Trump for the state.
Effective immediately, HUD has put several measures in place:
- A 90-day moratorium on foreclosures for mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), as well as mortgages guaranteed under the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee program for Native American borrowers in affected areas.
- Automatic 90-day extensions are granted for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages.
- FHA Resource Center is available at 1-800-304-9320; more information can be found at the FHA Disaster Relief site.
- The Section 203(h) program provides FHA insurance to victims whose homes require reconstruction or replacement due to damage.
- The Section 203(k) loan program 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 with FEMA and state officials. This includes details from Public Housing Agencies and multi-family property owners.
- Community Planning and Development grantees—including recipients of CDBG, HOPWA, CoC, ESG, HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and HTF funds—can apply for administrative flexibility in response to a Major Disaster Declaration. More information about waivers or suspension of requirements is available through local CPD Field Offices.
- Public Housing Agencies may apply for waivers needed for disaster relief efforts. Detailed guidance can be found in the latest Federal Register Disaster Relief Notice.
- HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are ready to assist impacted residents regardless of mortgage type. Counseling services are free for foreclosure prevention. Find an agency online or call 1-800-569-4287; services are offered in over 200 languages.
- Assistance with housing discrimination complaints is available through HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. Complaints can be filed via phone at 1-800-669-9777 or through HUD’s website portal.
Individuals who believe they have experienced housing discrimination after the disaster may also contact local fair housing agencies listed on HUD’s website.
