NCSHA COVID-19 Blogs, News, and Resources
The most recent NCSHA blogs, news, resources, statements, and talking points for HFAs are available below. For a curated compilation of COVID-19 information, guidelines, and notices published by state HFAs, the Administration, HUD, and other federal agencies, please visit the 
COVID-19 Resources and Updates Center.
U.S. Department of Treasury Library: Hardest Hit Fund Program Documents
This webpage contains the most recent fact sheets, program requirements, and allocations for each state HFA’s Hardest Hit Fund (HHF) program. HFAs have utilized the HHF in various ways to help homeowners avoid foreclosure and stabilize neighborhoods.
Memorandum on HFA Mortgage Assistance Programs Best Practices
This memorandum to Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) program administrators provides a question-by-question outline of the results of NCSHA’s survey of state HFAs administered the federal Hardest Hit Fund (HHF) program and/or administered short-term emergency homeowner assistance programs in 2020 with federal Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF). It is centered around questions pertaining to mortgage assistance program design and delivery.
NCSHA Washington Report | April 30, 2021
Political pros are already parsing preliminary numbers from the 2020 Census, which were released Monday. Both parties can claim optimism: Republicans because population growth is happening most...
NCSHA Washington Report | April 23, 2021
The Biden – Harris Administration has begun a delicate balancing act that aims simultaneously to end extraordinary pandemic protections for homeowners, provide additional assistance to those...
HUD Letter on Resumption of REAC In-Person Housing Inspections
On April 23, 2021, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge issued this letter to public housing authorities, multifamily housing owners, and property managers announcing the Real Estate Assessment Center will resume in-person housing inspections on June 1, 2021. In-person inspections were paused as a COVID-19 safety protocol.
Featured ERA Program: RentHelpMN
RentHelpMN was created to help Minnesotans who have fallen behind on their rent or fear that could happen. If you have experienced hardship due to the pandemic and need assistance to pay your rent or utility bills, you may be eligible for COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance.
Featured ERA Program: Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance
The Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program may provide eligible renters with help with rent and utility bills. Please visit the program link to learn more, start an application, or contact the Housing Recovery Help Line.
CFPB Interim Final Rule on Consumer Rights, Debt Collection Under CDC Eviction Moratorium
This interim final rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau amends Regulation F of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to address certain debt collector conduct associated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) eviction moratorium in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The interim final rule requires debt collectors to provide written notice to tenants of their rights under the CDC’s eviction moratorium. The rule also prohibits debt collectors from misrepresenting tenants’ eligibility for protection.
U.S. Department of the Treasury Homeowner Assistance Program Website
The Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) is a highly flexible source of financial assistance to help homeowners who are experiencing COVID-19-related economic difficulties remain in their homes. Nearly $10 billion in funds will be distributed to states, territories, and tribal entities. HAF will be used to help struggling homeowners cover a variety of costs incurred, including mortgage principal reductions, interest rate reductions, utility payments, homeowners and condo association fees, and hazard insurance.
NCSHA Letter to HUD on Homelessness Assistance and Supportive Services Through HOME (HOME-ARP)
In this April 16 letter, NCSHA urges the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to quickly issue guidance on the $5 billion for homelessness assistance and supportive services through the HOME Investment Partnerships program in the American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP). The letter also includes recommendations on waivers and suspensions state HFAs will need to implement this program.
NCSHA Washington Report | April 16, 2021
On Monday, President Biden pledged efforts to “close persistent racial gaps in wages, housing, credit, lending opportunities, and access to higher education — gaps that, if closed, would add...
Homeowner Assistance Fund Program Guidance and Allocation Formula
On April 14, Treasury released program guidance and the formula for dispersing funds to states and territories for the Homeowner Assistance Fund.
