Detroit Evening Report: State fund to help homeowners with mortgage payments nearly tapped
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Brick houses in Detroit's Bagley neighborhood.
Homeowners who faced an economic challenge during the pandemic have less than three weeks to apply for state aid.
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The Michigan Homeowners Assistance Fund has $20 million left from the federal government to help families impacted by mortgage delinquencies, foreclosures and loss of utilities. The funds were first made available in early 2021 through the American Rescue Plan Act.
Dawn Hengesbach manages the state’s fund. She says homeowners need to prove they faced a financial hardship directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are going to close the portal on Dec. 8,” she said. “So we really are encouraging homeowners in need of that assistance to apply as soon as possible, funds are running low.”
Eligible homeowners can receive up to $25,000 dollars in financial aid. The state is accepting applications through the Michigan Homeowners Assistance Fund website, michigan.gov/MIHAF.
MIHAF staff will continue to prioritize and review submitted applications until all program funds have been committed for payments, according to the website. Submission of an application does not guarantee assistance.
After Dec. 8, any homeowner needing assistance can be added to a wait list by calling MIHAF customer service at 844-756-4423 or by emailing MSHDA-HO-HAF-Program@michigan.gov.
Reporting by Michelle Jokish Polo
Other headlines for Monday, Nov. 27, 2023:
- Wayne State University will host the 2nd annual Native American Health Symposium from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, at Scott Hall and virtually online.
- The MSU Extension — which runs the Michigan 4-H program, a youth development program offering research and resources from MSU to communities around the state — is holding statewide listening sessions to hear ideas from the public on how to help shape the organization’s future.
- The Michigan Department of Transportation and Cliff Garten Studio are seeking community input for the selection of songs to be featured in the text on the Sounds of Detroit sculpture.
- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is hosting three virtual baby showers for new or expectant parents in November and December.
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