HUD put out a release last Friday communicating its disaster relief efforts for several Florida counties in the wake of Hurricane Michael. Specifically, the major disaster declaration was issued for Bay, Franklin, Gulf, Taylor, and Wakulla counties.

With this announcement, the following services are what HUD has promised to provide:

• Immediate foreclosure relief: HUD’s automatic 90-day moratorium on foreclosures of Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured home mortgages commenced for the Florida counties covered under yesterday’s Presidential declaration on the date of the declaration. For assistance, call your loan servicer or FHA’s Resource Center at 1-800-304-9320.
• Availability of mortgage insurance: HUD’s Section 203(h) program provides FHA insurance to disaster victims whose homes were destroyed or damaged to such an extent that reconstruction or replacement is necessary and are facing the daunting task of rebuilding or buying another home. Borrowers from participating FHA-approved lenders are eligible for 100 percent financing, including closing costs;
• Availability for both mortgages and home rehabilitation insurance: 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;
• Information on housing providers and HUD programs:  The Department will share information with FEMA and the State on housing providers that may have available units in the impacted counties. This includes Public Housing Agencies and Multi-Family owners. The Department will also connect FEMA and the State to subject matter experts to provide information on HUD programs and providers.

*HUD’s elaboration on its disaster relief services/provisions.

More info on HUD’s disaster relief services.