Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund to provide financial assistance to Flint homeowners facing expense hardships due to COVID-19

FLINT, Mich. – August 18, 2022

Homeowners in Flint facing housing-related financial hardship due the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for financial assistance  from the  Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF). The Michigan State Housing and Development Authority (MSHDA) expects a total of  $242,812,277 is anticipated to help more than 8,300 homeowners across the state.

According to MSHDA,  Funding for the MIHAF program was established under section 3206 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to mitigate financial hardships associated with the COVID-19 pandemic by providing funds to eligible entities for the purpose of preventing homeowner mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, loss of utilities or home energy services, and displacements of homeowners experiencing financial hardship after January 21, 2020, through qualified expenses related to mortgages and housing.

“The COVID-19 pandemic hit some harder than others in our area. So many people were out of work either because their place of employment closed and/or their hours were reduced, they were taking time off to care for a sick loved one, or they themselves were ill,” said Mayor Sheldon Neeley, “whatever the case, I would encourage every homeowner in Flint affected by COVID-19 to apply for this vital assistance.”

 To qualify for financial assistance through MIHAF, applicants must be able to show a qualified pandemic-related financial hardship that occurred on or after January 21, 2020. They must currently own and occupy the home as their primary residence and have a household income equal to or less than 150% of area median income.  Applicants must have a material reduction in income or a material increase in living expenses stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic that has increased a risk in mortgage delinquency, mortgage default, foreclosure, loss of utilities or home energy services, or displacement for a homeowner.

Qualifying homeowners are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in financial assistance per household, according MSHDA. More information on all qualifying factors and how to apply can be found here. Applications can be made online or by calling 844-756-4423.