The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced federal disaster assistance for Mississippi following the severe winter storm that occurred from January 23 to 27, 2026. HUD Secretary Scott Turner stated, "One of our core responsibilities at HUD is to help rebuild homes, businesses, and communities after natural disasters. We are supporting residents of Mississippi by providing financial flexibility and disaster recovery resources to those impacted by the recent disaster."
This announcement follows President Trump's major disaster declaration for Mississippi on February 6, 2026.
Effective immediately, HUD has implemented several measures to support recovery efforts in affected areas:
A 90-day moratorium on foreclosures has been issued for mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), as well as for Native American borrowers with loans under the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee program. There is also a 90-day extension for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages. These protections apply from the date of the presidential disaster declaration. Homeowners are encouraged to contact their mortgage or loan servicer promptly for assistance.
For homes destroyed or significantly damaged, HUD’s Section 203(h) program allows eligible homeowners and tenants to obtain FHA insurance with up to 100 percent financing through participating lenders.
HUD’s Section 203(k) loan program enables individuals to finance both the purchase or refinance and repair of a home within a single mortgage product.
Information about available housing units will be shared with FEMA and state officials, including details from Public Housing Agencies and multi-family property owners in affected counties. HUD will also connect FEMA and state agencies with experts on its programs.
Recipients of various HUD grants—including Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA), Continuum of Care (CoC), Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds, and Housing Trust Fund grants—can request administrative flexibility due to the major disaster declaration in Mississippi. Additional information about applying for waivers or suspensions can be obtained through local Community Planning and Development field offices.
Tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities receiving Indian Housing Block Grants or Indian Community Development Block Grants may apply for regulatory waivers by contacting their Area Office of Native American Programs.
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are available without charge to assist anyone impacted by natural disasters in assessing needs and accessing resources. These services are open even if an individual does not have an FHA-insured mortgage.
Finally, HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity offers support to those who believe they have experienced housing discrimination during post-disaster recovery efforts. Complaints can be filed via phone or online through HUD’s website; individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may use the Federal Relay Service.
