Deadline approaching for Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund applications

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) will close the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) program to new applications at 8 a.m. on June 15th. The program assists homeowners who have struggled to make mortgage payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The closure comes as program funds are running low, prompting an urgent call for eligible residents to apply before the deadline.

Applications for the Homeowner Assistance Fund program are processed in the order they are completed, meaning all required information must be received from both the homeowner and the mortgage servicer. Even if eligible, applicants are not guaranteed to be funded due to limited program funds.

OHCS reopened the HAF program in February, aiming to support homeowners who experienced severe financial hardship as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. To qualify for assistance, homeowners must have a primary mortgage with a participating servicing company that is 90 days or more past due.

Talia Kahn-Kravis, acting director of Homeownership at OHCS, noted the significant interest in the program. "We've received a tremendous response since we reopened the program earlier this year," Kahn-Kravis said. "We encourage anyone who hasn't applied to do so as soon as possible before funds run out."

Eligible homeowners can receive up to $50,000 in grant funds. This assistance is available regardless of whether they have previously received HAF payments. All payments are made directly to their mortgage servicer to reinstate their mortgage.

Homeowners can find more information about the eligibility criteria and detailed application requirements by visiting the program's website at oregonhomeownerassistance.org.