Governor Hogan Announces Opening of Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund
Governor Hogan recently announced the launch of the $248 million Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund program which will run until September 2026 or until funds run out, whichever happens first.
“Across Maryland, there are homeowners who are struggling to keep up with their mortgage payments due to the financial hardships related to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Hogan. “The programs we are announcing today through the Homeowner Assistance Fund will help keep Marylanders in their homes and support our state’s economic recovery.”
These funds will be distributed in the following way:
- $171 million will be used to provide loans to homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments;
- $34 million will be available to help with property tax, homeowner association, and other sorts of delinquencies;
- The WholeHome program will get $10 million to assist homeowners with required repairs and energy efficiency upgrades.;
- $8 million for housing counseling agencies;
- $3 million for legal services providers to help navigate the foreclosure process;
- $22 million for case management, administration, marketing, and outreach to ensure that qualified homes receive assistance.
“Maryland was one of the first three states whose plans were approved by the U.S. Treasury in late November,” said Secretary Kenneth C. Holt. “Our team has been working diligently to ensure we are one of the first states to deploy this assistance to those who need it most.”.
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will provide $4.4 million in Fiscal Year 2022 to 29 housing counseling and legal services groups that can help Marylanders apply for Homeowner Assistance Fund aid. If you’re having trouble finding a place to live, call 1-877-462-7555 for housing counseling and legal assistance.
There will be two options: the Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund Grant (HAF Grant) and the Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund Loan (HAF Loan). The HAF Loan can be combined with either the HAF Grant or the HAF WholeHouse Grant. Due to the financial burden of COVID-19, Maryland homeowners who are unable to handle an emergency repair in their principal house will be eligible for the Homeowner Assistance Fund WholeHome Grant. The maximum award is $10,000.00, which can be used to cover repairs such as roof repair or replacement, mold/mildew remediation, asbestos removal, electrical system repairs, plumbing system repairs, and so on.
For more information about the program, including eligibility requirements, a document checklist, and answers to commonly asked questions, go to their official site, or check out the program’s fact sheet.
