HUD disaster relief is now available for Mississippi residents impacted by January’s devastating ice storm. After the President issued a Major Disaster Declaration (DR-4899) on February 6, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development moved quickly to provide mortgage relief, housing flexibility, and recovery support across affected communities.
The winter storm caused widespread power outages, significant property damage, and tragic loss of life. In the weeks following the storm, many communities continued to face recovery challenges — making federal housing assistance a critical part of stabilization efforts.
Foreclosure Moratorium
As part of HUD disaster relief efforts, a 90-day foreclosure moratorium is now in place for:
- FHA-insured single-family mortgages
- Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee program borrowers
- Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (automatic 90-day extension)
The moratorium is effective as of the disaster declaration date. Impacted homeowners should contact their mortgage servicer immediately to review available options. Conventional loan holders may also qualify for relief through their lenders.
Financing Available
HUD is also activating key financing tools to support rebuilding:
Section 203(h)
Provides FHA insurance for eligible homeowners or renters whose homes were destroyed or require full reconstruction. Borrowers may qualify for 100% financing, including closing costs.
Section 203(k)
Allows borrowers to finance the purchase or refinance of a home along with rehabilitation costs through a single mortgage. Homeowners may also use this program to repair storm-damaged properties.
These programs are designed to simplify recovery financing and reduce barriers for families working to rebuild.
HUD Disaster Relief Support for Housing Providers
HUD is coordinating with FEMA and the State of Mississippi to identify available housing units in impacted counties, including Public Housing Agencies and multifamily properties.
Community Planning and Development grantees — including CDBG, HOME, ESG, HOPWA, Continuum of Care, and Housing Trust Fund recipients — may request administrative flexibility in response to the disaster declaration. Tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities may also apply for regulatory waivers.
For property owners and housing providers, these flexibilities can help maintain stability while communities recover. Other programs also offering support are:
- HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are available at no cost to help residents understand relief options and avoid foreclosure.
- HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity remains available to address housing discrimination concerns that may arise during disaster recovery.
As recovery continues, HUD disaster relief programs are intended to provide both immediate protection and longer-term housing stability for Mississippi residents. Homeowners and housing stakeholders should review available resources and act quickly to access assistance.
