Officials with the County of Kauaʻi are advising residents that the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) program, in partnership with Hawai‘i Community Lending (HCL), will close its application portal on May 1, 2024.
The HAF programs were funded through the American Rescue Plan signed into law by the Biden Administration with the goal of preventing foreclosure in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both counties of Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i participate in this program. The announcement comes as HCL, the counties’ nonprofit administrator, projects funding for the program will be fully obligated by Sept. 30, 2024. Homeowners who reside on Kauaʻi and are interested in applying for the programs must submit complete applications no later than 11:59 p.m. on April 30, 2024, to be considered for funding. Applications are online at www.HawaiiCommunityLending.com/HAF.
“We are incredibly grateful to our partners at Hawai‘i Community Lending for helping our residents every step of the way since the pandemic,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami in a statement. “Because of this program, many of our families experiencing financial challenges were provided the guidance and support to remain in their homes.”
“We mahalo the counties for their partnership in keeping our families in homes and the resiliency of our families who have been faced with hardship due to COVID,” said HCL Executive Director Jeff Gilbreath in a statement. “This public-private partnership is a demonstration of what is possible when nonprofits and counties work together to deliver federally funded programs that serve our families who are most in need.”
According to Gilbreath, HCL has successfully assisted 1,043 homeowners in both Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i counties, in preventing foreclosure since the HAF programs launched in October 2021. More than $8.1 million in both counties (which includes $3 million on Kaua‘i) has been disbursed to help local homeowners reduce their monthly mortgage payments; bring their loans, property taxes, HOA fees, homeowners insurance and utility bills current; and for forward going payments.
With a couple of weeks remaining before the program closes, homeowners in need can still get help. Homeowners applying for the Kauaʻi County HAF programs must meet the following requirements to be eligible for financial assistance:
- Live in your home on Kaua‘i.
- Own no other real property.
- Have experienced financial hardship (i.e. a 10% decrease in annual income or 10% increase in household expenses since March 2020).
- Have less than five times your monthly housing expenses in assets (does not include pension/401k).
- Have a mortgage with one of the qualifying mortgage servicers (listed online); reverse mortgages allowed(not required for past-due property taxes and past-due HOA fees).
- Meet the maximum annual household income requirements:
If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, contact 877-477-5990 as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.
For more information about the HAF programs or to apply, visit www.HawaiiCommunityLending.com/HAF.
See article at Kauai News Now.