MSHDA Urges Homeowners Who Faced Financial Hardship During the Pandemic to Apply for Grant Assistance
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority is encouraging homeowners who have been impacted financially by the pandemic to seek help. The State was given $242.8 million through the American Rescue plan, established under section 3206 to reduce hardships associated with the coronavirus pandemic by providing funds to homeowners experiencing financial hardship.
“Ultimately, the whole goal of the program is to stop a foreclosure,” said Mary Townley, the director of homeownership for the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. “The homeowner must apply. The eligibility criteria are area median income of 150% or less. The house must be their owner-occupied structure, and then they also must have a COVID-related hardship,” she said. Townley says the funds can be used for land contracts and also mobile homes.
Funds up to $25,000.00 can be used to prevent homeowner mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosure, loss of utilities or home energy services, and displacements of homeowners experiencing financial hardship on or after January 21, 2020, or for those homeowners who experience a coronavirus pandemic financial hardship that began before January 21, 2020, but continued after that date. To be eligible for assistance under Michigan’s MIHAF Program, Michigan homeowners must have incomes equal to or less than 150% of the area median income household limit in accordance with HUD’S FY 2021 HAF Income Limits. However, priority is given to households with incomes equal to or less than 100% of Area Median Income (AMI) and those identified as Socially Disadvantaged Individuals (SDI).
Eligible properties include single-family (attached or detached) properties, condominium units, 1 to 4-unit properties where the homeowner is living in one of the units as their primary residence, manufactured homes permanently affixed to real property and taxed as real estate, and mobile homes not permanently affixed to real property.
Online applications are available and homeowners can get assistance on how to apply and all the necessary documents. First, review the Acceptable Documentation List and be prepared to provide supporting documentation, such as photo ID, social security number, monthly income/benefit statement, and delinquent housing expense statements. For more information on the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF) call 844-756-4423, email MSHDA-HO-HAF-Program@michigan.gov or visit the official site. The deadline to apply for this program is September 30, 2026.
