MBA Report: “Stabilizing Vulnerable Homeowners in a Time of Crisis: Insights from the Homeowner Assistance Fund“
This study, conducted by the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Research Institute for Housing America and released in March 2026, provides the first comprehensive analysis of the federal Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). Drawing on national data and a detailed case study of the Ohio Housing Finance Agency’s program, the report finds HAF effectively targeted low-income and economically vulnerable households, while primarily supporting mortgage reinstatement and ongoing payment assistance. Additionally, the study shows HAF contributed to strong housing stability outcomes, underscoring the program’s role as a critical complement to traditional loss mitigation tools, particularly for borrowers facing deeper or more persistent financial hardship.
