Macomb County is now helping individuals wishing to apply for assistance from the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF), a program created through the American Rescue Plan of 2021.
The fund, which is aimed at reducing financial hardship associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, will help qualified individuals with mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, utility shut offs and displacements.
Up to $25,000 is available per approved applicant.
“We want to make eligible homeowners aware of this new state assistance fund,” said County Executive Mark A. Hackel. “These resources can help families keep their homes, strengthen our neighborhoods and inject much needed resources into our network of housing assistance programs.”
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is the operating agency for the $242.8 million MIHAF program, but locally, Macomb County Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) offices will help individuals apply.
“We know how complex this type of application can be, so our teams are standing by to help,” said Nancy Latham, a HUD certified housing counselor with Macomb County MSUE. “We will walk you through the process, help you find the right documentation and make sure your application is submitted correctly. Homeowners facing financial insecurity already deal with a significant amount of stress. We’re here to help remove some of that burden.”
Individuals looking to apply must meet the following guidelines:
• They must have a qualified coronavirus-related financial hardship that occurred on or after Jan. 21, 2020
• They must have owned their home on or before January 21, 2020
• They must currently own and occupy this home as their primary residence
• They must have a household income equal to or less than 150 percent of the area median income (AMI). In Macomb County, the AMI for a family of four is $120,000, and the AMI for a family of two is $96,000.
Those approved for assistance can use their funds for:
• Property taxes
• Delinquent mortgage/housing expenses, escrow shortages and corporate advances
• Delinquent land contract payments, mobile home consumer loan payments or contracted park lot payments
• Condominium/homeowners association fees
• Homeowners insurances
• Hazard, flood or mortgage insurance
• Utilities, including gas, electric, water, sewer
• Internet services
The MIHAF application portal is currently open. Individuals looking for additional information or those wishing to apply should contact Macomb County MSUE at 586-469-6430.
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