Oregon’s Homeowner Assistance Fund Set to Close Application Portal on Dec. 20 to Prevent Overextending Funds

SALEM, Oregon — In a strategic move to ensure the responsible allocation of resources, Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) has announced the impending closure of the Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) program to most new applicants. This decision is aimed at preventing the over-commitment of the program’s funds. The application portal is scheduled to shut down at noon PST on Wednesday, Dec. 20.

However, there remains a beacon of hope for homeowners currently facing active foreclosure. They may still have the opportunity to apply for assistance through a housing counselor, offering a potential lifeline during this challenging time.

Ryan Vanden Brink, the assistant director of Homeowner Assistance Programs, emphasized the urgency for those in immediate danger of losing their homes, socially disadvantaged individuals as defined by the U.S. Treasury, or those meeting specific eligibility criteria on the HAF website. “We urge those at imminent risk of housing displacement to apply for HAF assistance before the noon deadline on Dec. 20,” he stated. Vanden Brink also cautioned that, despite accepting new applications, the program’s limited funds might not suffice for all applicants as it nears its conclusion.

For those who have already applied, the HAF portal remains accessible for checking application statuses and monitoring scheduled payments. This continued access ensures transparency and ongoing communication for existing applicants.

OHCS has designed the HAF program primarily as a safety net for homeowners who are most vulnerable and lack feasible alternatives to retain their homes. Consequently, these individuals will be given priority in the processing of their applications.

If funds are still available after the closure of the portal and the processing of current applications, HAF intake partners will have the authority to submit new applications. This provision is specifically for homeowners involved in a judicial foreclosure action or those in nonjudicial foreclosure with an imminent sale date. These applicants, however, may be required to complete the necessary intake paperwork and undergo foreclosure prevention counseling before they can work with a counselor. It is important to note that even with this provision, funding may not be sufficient to cover all new applications.

This careful management of the HAF program underscores OHCS’s commitment to assisting homeowners in dire need while maintaining the integrity and sustainability of the fund. The program’s closure to most new applicants reflects a balanced approach to providing aid while ensuring the fund’s longevity and effectiveness for those in the most critical situations.