By Leslie Collins
Northeast News
July 12, 2011

Homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments will now have a chance to receive assistance through the Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program (EHLP). However, time is running out.

Representatives from the Greater Kansas City Housing Information Center and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) explained the program during a July 12 press conference at Robert Mohart Center, Kansas City, Mo.

Through the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, $1 billion was given to HUD to form EHLP. Thirty-two states are receiving funding, including Missouri and Kansas.

Greater Kansas City Housing Information Center is helping HUD implement the program, which is expected to help 441 families in the Kansas City metro area.

EHLP was created to assist homeowners at risk of foreclosure, who are temporarily and involuntarily unemployed or underemployed due to economic conditions or a medical condition.

Qualifying homeowners can receive an interest-free, forgivable loan to pay past due mortgage payments (principal, interest, taxes, insurance and attorney fees), as well as a portion of their monthly mortgage payment for up to two years or up to $50,000, whichever comes first.

HUD is currently accepting pre-application screening worksheets, which are due by 4:30 p.m. Friday, July 22.

“Only you can reach out and make this happen,” said Patricia Gilmore Wilkins, Greater Kansas City Housing Information executive director, to the attendees.

Key qualifications for the program include:
•Current income at least 15 percent less than it was in 2009
•Involuntary unemployment or underemployment due to the economy or a medical conditions
•At least 90 days delinquent on your mortgage
•The mortgaged property must be your principal residence
Additional qualifications apply.

Demand for EHLP assistance is expected to be high and if there are more potentially eligible applicants than available funding, the pre-application worksheets will be placed in a random lottery. Those selected will be required to fill out a more detailed application. Those qualifying will then receive the emergency assistance.

To fill out a pre-application and for more information, visit www.findehlp.org. Applications can also be picked up or turned in to the Greater Kansas City Housing Information Center located on the second floor of the Robert Mohart Center, 3200 Wayne Ave., Kansas City, Mo. Homeowners may also call 855-346-3345 toll free for more information or for assistance in filling out an application.