Financial help. Homeowner Assistance Fund can help residents behind on their mortgage, property taxes and certain utilities

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus has announced that New York State has launched its Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF), which will help eligible homeowners prevent foreclosure by providing up to $50,000 per household for delinquent mortgage payments, property tax payments and certain utilities.

“Many in our community are struggling to get out from bills that have mounted during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Neuhaus said. “These funds can provide a fresh start for homeowners who have fallen behind on mortgage payments and will allow families in Orange County to remain in their homes. Owning a home is part of the American dream and working families should not have to worry about losing their house.”

Eligible applicants may receive financial assistance to catch up on missed housing payments, to reduce mortgage debt to make monthly mortgage payments more affordable and for homeowners who are unemployed, assistance with up to six months of future housing payments.

Applicants must have household incomes at or below 100 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) and must be at least 30 days delinquent on monthly housing payments for their primary residence.

Awards will be capped at $50,000 per household. Assistance will be structured as a five-year, non-interest, non-amortizing forgivable loan. If the homeowner remains in the home for a period of five years, the loan will be fully forgiven.

Karin Hablow, Orange County’s Commissioner of Finance, encouraged residents to apply for HAF as soon as possible because funds will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis until they run out, or 30 days after the start of the program.

HAF applications will be accepted beginning Monday, Jan. 3, 2022.

To learn more about the program, go to www.nyhomeownerfund.org or call 1-844-77-NYHAF.