SALEM, Ore. — Homeowners who have struggled to make mortgage payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic may still be eligible for assistance, but June 15 is the last chance to apply. 

Because program funds are running low, Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) will close the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) program to new applications at 8 a.m. on June 15. Applications are processed in the order they are completed, meaning OHCS has received all required information from both the homeowner and servicer. Applicants are not guaranteed to be funded even if they are eligible.  

“We’ve received a tremendous response since we reopened the program earlier this year,” said Talia Kahn-Kravis, acting director of Homeownership at OHCS. “We encourage anyone who hasn’t applied to do so as soon as possible before funds run out.” 

In February, OHCS reopened HAF to support eligible homeowners who have experienced severe financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To be eligible for assistance, homeowners must have a primary mortgage with a participating mortgage servicing company that is 90 days or more past due.  

Eligible homeowners can qualify for up to $50,000 in grant funds, regardless of whether they’ve previously received HAF payments. Payments will be made directly to their servicer to reinstate their mortgage. 

Homeowners can learn more about eligibility criteria and application requirements at oregonhomeownerassistance.org.