HUD Announces Support for Texas Communities in Wake of Hurricane Beryl

In response to the devastation left by Hurricane Beryl in Texas during early July 2024, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has activated a series of federal disaster assistance measures. 

This initiative supports the rehabilitation of affected areas, highlighting the federal government’s commitment to aiding recovery following the significant disaster declaration made by President Biden.

As parts of Texas begin the process of rebuilding, HUD is taking decisive action to provide essential support to homeowners and communities facing the aftermath of the storm. 

Among the key steps HUD is taking include:
 

• Foreclosure Moratorium: Homeowners with mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or backed by the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee program will benefit from a 90-day pause on foreclosure proceedings. This includes an automatic extension for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages, ensuring that affected residents have one less burden during these challenging times.
• Mortgage Assistance: HUD encourages homeowners impacted by Hurricane Beryl to reach out to their mortgage servicers at the earliest for potential relief options. This advice applies to those with both FHA-insured and conventional mortgages.
• FHA Resource Center: For additional support and information, homeowners can contact the FHA Resource Center directly at 1-800-304-9320 or explore the FHA Disaster Relief resources online for further guidance.

HUD is also facilitating the rebuilding process through two of its key programs:
 

• Section 203(h) Mortgage Insurance: This program provides financing options for homeowners looking to rebuild or repair their primary residences. It offers 100 percent financing, including closing costs, through participating FHA-approved lenders.
• Section 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance: This program enables individuals to finance the purchase or refinancing of a house and its rehabilitation through a single mortgage. It also allows homeowners to finance the necessary repairs on their existing homes if they’ve been damaged.

In addition, HUD is collaborating closely with FEMA and the State of Texas to identify housing providers with available units in the affected counties, ensuring adequate housing for those displaced by the storm. This effort includes Public Housing Agencies and Multi-Family owners.

HUD is extending administrative flexibility to grantees of various community planning and development programs to streamline recovery efforts. 

This applies to programs such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, Housing Opportunities for Persons With HIV/AIDS (HOPWA) Program, among others. 


Grantees can contact their local Community Planning and Development Program Office for more details on waiver or suspension of program requirements.

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Public Housing Agencies affected by the disaster are encouraged to request necessary waivers and flexibilities for disaster relief and recovery through the established process outlined in the Federal Register’s Disaster Relief Notice and PIH Notice 2021-34.

Tribes and their designated housing entities can seek administrative flexibility through regulatory waivers by contacting their local Office of Native American Programs or by sending an email to Codetalk@hud.gov.

For those navigating the aftermath of the disaster, HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are available to assist in assessing needs and resources. These services are offered in over 200 languages and can be accessed by contacting 800-569-4287 or visiting the HUD website.

In the unfortunate instance of housing discrimination, the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity is ready to provide assistance. 

Individuals can file a complaint up to one year after the discriminatory act by calling 1-800-669-9777 or through HUD's website complaint form, including provisions for those with limited English proficiency, and utilizing the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

These comprehensive measures underscore HUD's unwavering commitment to fostering resilient, inclusive communities and ensuring quality, affordable housing for all in the face of natural disasters.

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