MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE
The Mortgage Assistance Grant Program, a Vermont COVID housing relief program launched on July 13 by the Vermont Housing Finance Agency, provides $5 million to help low-income homeowners, including owners of mobile homes, who have fallen behind on their mortgage and are facing economic hardship brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will provide up to 6 monthly mortgage payments directly to the servicer of the mortgage with a goal of preventing future foreclosure. The program is available to any homeowner who meets the eligibility criteria, not just to VHFA borrowers. Information and application materials are available on VHFA’s website at www.vhfa.org/map. A Mortgage Assistance Program information hotline is open 9 am – 4 pm, Monday through Friday, at 1-800-889-2047. VHFA will accept applications until August 31, 2020.
RENTAL ASSISTANCE
The Vermont State Housing Authority is administering the $25 million Rental Housing Stabilization program which provides funding to landlords on behalf of tenants in need of rental arrearage assistance due to COVID-19 to avert tenant eviction. Applications, additional program eligibility requirements, and answers to FAQs are available at www.vsha.org/rental-housing-stabilization-program/ and by phone at 802-828-2040 or 802-828-1650 or 802-828-5596.