VHFA News

Vermont Homeowner Assistance Program

Homeowner Assistance Program

The Vermont Homeowner Assistance Program (VHAP) is offering grants to Vermont homeowners facing pandemic hardships.

The program, launched in January 2022, is managed through the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA). Funded by $50 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, VHAP provides provide grants of up to $30,000 per household towards overdue mortgage payments, utility bills, property taxes, and property association charges.

“This program is about supporting Vermonters. Through HAP we are keeping people in their homes, stabilizing neighborhoods, and preserving the health of our communities,” said Governor Phil Scott.

Passed as a part of the American Rescue Plan Act, this program was supported by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Congressman Peter Welch (D-Vt.). In a joint statement, the Vermont Delegation said: “As foreclosure moratoriums and forbearance agreements end, many Vermonters are facing an uncertain future. These funds will help homeowners harmed by the pandemic get caught up on their bills and move forward.” 

During the program’s first nine months, VHAP has paid overdue bills for over 3,000 homeowners across the state. The program will accept applications until VHFA has determined that Vermont’s allocation of federal funding is fully committed. VHAP is expected to continue to accept applications through the spring of 2023, assuming demand remains consistent.   

 

 

The program is available to any Vermont homeowner who meets the eligibility criteria and is not just for VHFA mortgage borrowers. It is open to Vermont homeowners for expenses related to their primary home, who meet income limits, and who are behind on their bills due to a financial hardship associated with the coronavirus pandemic after January 21, 2020. 

“Since the VHAP funding is provided as a one-time-only grant, we highly encourage homeowners to talk with a local HUD-approved housing counselor prior to applying,” remarked Eric Hoffman, VHFA’s Manager of Business Development, who previously worked as a foreclosure intervention counselor. “Their free counseling services can help applicants make sure they are taking advantage of all the loss-mitigation tools that may be available to them.”

More information and application materials are available at vermonthap.vhfa.org. The website is available in several languages and includes information about how applicants can access additional translation and application assistance. A Vermont Homeowner Assistance Program information hotline is open 8 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday, at 833-221-4208.

2022 HAP Annual Report submitted to the U.S. Treasury

The VT Homeowner Assistance Program is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number HAFP-0040 awarded to the State of Vermont by the US Department of the Treasury.

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