Help is Available for Muskingum County Homeowners Stricken by Covid-19
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) in collaboration with MEOAG Inc., the Community Action Agency of Muskingum County, has announced a substantial initiative designed to support eligible homeowners within the county. This initiative, named the Save the Dream Ohio Homeowner Assistance Fund-Utility Assistance Plus (HAF-UAP) program, is set to provide aid with housing-related expenses and is funded by the American Rescue Plan of 2021.
The HAF-UAP program is not merely limited to offering help with standard utility costs. It will also cover specific utility-related fees, such as disconnect and reconnection fees, which are often unexpected and can place an additional burden on struggling homeowners. Moreover, the program extends its support to cover Real Estate Property Taxes that are not escrowed, along with other homeowner fees that may arise.
One of the standout features of this program is the significant level of assistance that can be provided. Eligible households within Muskingum County may receive up to six months of support or $10,000 in assistance, depending on which threshold is reached first. However, it’s essential to note that these funds are limited, and once exhausted, the program will no longer be available.
Eligibility for the HAF-UAP program is determined by specific criteria, all of which aim to ensure that the assistance reaches those most in need. To qualify, homeowners must have experienced a financial hardship after January 21, 2020, explicitly resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, applicants must have an income that is equal to or less than 150% of the area’s median income, as approved by the United States Treasury.
This initiative by OHFA and MEOAG Inc. represents a concerted effort to alleviate the financial stresses that many Muskingum County homeowners have faced in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It reflects the broader push at both state and federal levels to provide targeted support to communities hard-hit by the economic fallout of the global crisis.
Homeowners in Muskingum County who believe they may qualify are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, given the finite nature of the funds available. Application details, along with comprehensive information about the program, can typically be found through local housing authorities or community action agencies.
As the nation continues to recover from the pandemic’s impact, programs like HAF-UAP offer a crucial lifeline to those still grappling with financial instability. The collaboration between OHFA and MEOAG Inc exemplifies how local and state agencies can work together to create meaningful support systems for the communities they serve. It’s a timely reminder that, even as the immediate health crisis subsides, ongoing efforts are needed to restore the economic well-being of families across the country.
