Homeowners in 27 States & Puerto Rico Will Have Until September 15 to Apply for EHLP Funding
WASHINGTON, DC – August 29, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and NeighborWorks® America today reopened the application process for the Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program (EHLP) in 27 states and Puerto Rico to give homeowners at risk of foreclosure more time to apply for the program. While the original application deadline was July 27, HUD estimates that resources will be available to reach more struggling homeowners and will accept applications submitted through September 15, 2011.
Additional applications for this emergency bridge loan program will be accepted in the following states: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
EHLP will assist homeowners in these states who have experienced a reduction in income and are at risk of foreclosure due to involuntary unemployment or underemployment, due to economic conditions or a medical condition. Eligible homeowners can qualify for an interest-free loan, which pays a portion of their monthly mortgage for up to two years, or up to $50,000, whichever comes first.
Homeowners are encouraged to visit www.FindEHLP.org to find contact information for all participating counseling agencies, to access the Applicant Screening Worksheet, the required Documents for All Applicants Checklist and more information on the EHLP assistance and its eligibility requirements. Homeowners may also call the toll free hotline, (855) FIND-EHLP (346-3345).
In addition, Homeowners must contact a participating counseling agency for more information in order to determine their eligibility for the program and to apply for mortgage assistance. Only participating counseling agencies can accept applications from homeowners.
Since EHLP funds are provided to qualified homeowners on a first-come, first-served basis, it is critical homeowners provide all required documents in a timely manner or risk losing the opportunity to apply for assistance under the program. There is no cost to apply for this program.
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act authorizes HUD to administer a $1 billion Emergency Homeowners Loan Program nationwide. EHLP provides up to 24 months of assistance to homeowners who have experienced a substantial reduction in income due to involuntary unemployment, underemployment, or a medical condition and are at-risk of foreclosure. Qualified families can receive a zero-percent loan to help them pay their mortgage. This emergency bridge loan will gradually be forgiven provided the homeowner remains in their property for five years.
HUD is aggressively promoting this emergency mortgage assistance program to nearly 80,000 homeowners in these 27 states and Puerto Rico with mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and who are at least 90-days delinquent on their loan payments.
About the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.
About NeighborWorks® America
NeighborWorks America creates opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities by providing access to homeownership and to safe and affordable rental housing. In the last five years, NeighborWorks organizations have generated $20 billion in reinvestment in these communities. NeighborWorks America is the nation’s leading trainer of community development and affordable housing professionals.
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