Time is running out for Oregon homeowners struggling in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) has announced that the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) program is in its final round of application acceptance, with only a limited amount of funds remaining. The HAF program is a federal initiative offering temporary emergency mortgage relief to homeowners who have experienced significant financial hardships due to the pandemic, particularly those facing foreclosure or similar threats to their housing stability.
Before reaching out to HAF, homeowners are advised to consider all other available options with their mortgage servicer or consult a housing counselor. "We strongly encourage eligible homeowners to contact a housing counselor immediately," Ryan Vanden Brink, assistant director of Homeowner Assistance Programs, emphasized in a statement provided by OHCS.
Eligibility for HAF assistance includes homeowners who are at risk of mortgage foreclosure, engaged in a court case placing their home ownership in jeopardy, or those confronted with property tax foreclosure. The program also covers other high-risk scenarios, which can be identified through consultation with a housing counselor. The HAF program seeks to offer a financial lifeline to support homeowners in navigating this critical period without the heavy burden of losing a place of residence.
As funds are limited, OHCS cannot assure aid for every applicant. In the words of Vanden Brink, “Scheduling and completing foreclosure avoidance counseling takes time and documentation. While we are accepting new applications, we cannot guarantee assistance to everyone who applies due to limited funding,” according to the press release.
