HUD SECRETARY ANNOUNCES DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR CALIFORNIA EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS
Foreclosure protection offered to displaced families

WASHINGTON - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced HUD will speed federal disaster assistance to Imperial County in California and provide support to homeowners and low-income
renters forced from their homes following last month's earthquake.

Last week, President Obama issued a disaster declaration for Imperial County. The President's declaration allows
HUD to offer foreclosure relief and other assistance to certain families living in these counties.

"Families who may have been forced from their homes need to know that help is available to begin the rebuilding process," said Donovan. "Whether it's foreclosure relief for FHA-insured families or helping these counties to recover, HUD stands ready to help in any way we can."

• Offering the State of California the ability to re-allocate existing federal resources toward disaster relief -
  HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME programs give the State the flexibility to
  redirect millions of dollars to address critical needs, including housing and services for flood victims. HUD
  is currently contacting State and local officials to explore streamlining the Department's CDBG and HOME
  programs in order to expedite the repair and replacement of damaged housing;
  
  
• Granting immediate foreclosure relief - HUD granted a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures and forbearance
  on foreclosures of Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured home mortgages;
  
  
• Making mortgage insurance available - HUD's Section 203(h) program provides FHA insurance to disaster
  victims who have lost their homes 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;
  
  
• Making insurance available for both mortgages and home rehabilitation - 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; and
  
  
• Offering Section 108 loan guarantee assistance - HUD will offer state and local governments federally guaranteed loans for housing rehabilitation, economic development and repair of public infrastructure.

For more information about these and other HUD programs designed to assist disaster victims, visit HUD's website.

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HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to sustaining homeownership; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.