AUGUST 17

Washington – Homeowners and low-income renters forced from their homes due to the derecho that swept across parts of Maryland in late June could be eligible for federal disaster assistance, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced. Learn more.

Governor O’Malley had sought federal aid for six jurisdictions that incurred significant damages during the thunderstorms and severe winds on June 29 and June 30. President Obama on Aug. 2 issued the disaster declaration for Baltimore City and Calvert, Charles, Kent, Montgomery, and St. Mary’s counties. The president’s declaration allows HUD to offer foreclosure relief and other assistance to eligible families living in those jurisdictions.

Under the declaration, Maryland can re-allocate existing federal resources toward disaster relief, including the Community Development Block Grant and HOME programs, giving the state the flexibility to redirect millions of dollars to address critical needs, including housing and services for disaster victims.

HUD also granted a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures and forbearance on foreclosures of Federal Housing Administration-insured home mortgages.

HUD’s Section 203(k) loan program enables those who have lost their homes to finance the purchase or refinance of a house along with its repair through a single mortgage. It also allows homeowners who have damaged houses to finance the rehabilitation of their existing single-family home.