The state of Oregon announces a foreclosure prevention program that will launch in Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties on Wednesday August 3rd at noon. The program is called “Home Rescue” and will provide assistance to homeowners struggling to pay their mortgage in two ways – through monthly mortgage payments (up 12 payments with a maximum benefit of $20,000), and a reinstatement payment to bring mortgages current (up to $15,000). Additional regions of the state will be phased in every two weeks until all Oregon counties are eligible to apply on August 17th.
Homeowners interested in the program can apply online by visiting www.OregonHomeownerHelp.org. The website features an eligibility questionnaire and instructional video to help people learn more about the program and guide them through the application process. To qualify, applicants must be able to demonstrate at least a 10% reduction in projected 2016 income compared to any tax year between 2009 and 2015. Additional information about eligibility requirements and the application process can be found at www.OregonHomeownerHelp.org.
Every two weeks the program opens a limited number of applications slots that remain open until filled. The program opens new opportunities to apply every two weeks at noon until all program funds have been exhausted. This program aims to provide assistance to approximately 3,500 homeowners across the state. Funding for Home Rescue is provided by the United State Treasury’s “Hardest Hit Fund”, which allocated $220 million to Oregon in 2010 and an additional $94.5 million in 2016 to administer foreclosure prevention programs.
Oregon Housing and Community Services administer the Hardest Hit Funds through the Oregon Homeownership Stabilization Initiative (OHSI). To date, OHSI has provided more than $200 million in assistance to more than 15,000 homeowners. Performance reports for OHSI are available online at www.OregonHomeownerHelp.org.
OHSI customer service can be reached via email at Homeowner.Help@oregon.gov or by phone, 503.986.2025. OHSI partners with many local housing nonprofits throughout the state for program delivery. For immediate housing help, homeowners can find the nearest housing counselor by visiting www.OregonHomeownerSupport.gov.
Information provided by Willamette Neighborhood Housing Services
