CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Homeowners Rescue Program in just about a years time has helped countless families retain their homes following the toll from the time of the COVID pandemic.
In the past year, the program has connected nearly 4,200 West Virginia homeowners with more than $15 million in tax-free federal assistance, which is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.
Jessica Greathouse, Special Programs Manager for the West Virginia Housing Development Fund, said the West Virginia Homeowners Rescue Program has prevented foreclosures, saved homes from the auction block, and reconnected utilities for families riddled by the pandemic.
“We have sent about $16 million dollars helping people who have had a COVID-related hardship stay in their homes,” Greathouse said.
Along with the financial assistance, the program also offers housing counseling, something Greathouse wanted to promote heavily in April, which is Housing Stability Awareness Month. Throughout the month, the Fund will promote housing stability services, programs, and resources throughout West Virginia.
“Providing free housing counseling is nearly as good as paying for a family’s housing expenses,” said Greathouse. “The counseling is a benefit that will last far beyond the pandemic, as homeowners can
use those tools forever to get a firm financial footing for long-term housing stability.”
Homeowners can be connected with housing counseling agencies who assist in tackling all their financial needs.
“The housing counseling is extremely beneficial,” Greathouse claimed. “It’s often times the first time that somebody takes a deep dive into their finances.”
Governor Jim Justice appreciates the hard work of those in the program who are dedicated to helping out homeowners stay in West Virginia.
“I will forever champion the Homeowners Rescue Program for assisting thousands of West Virginians,” said Gov. Jim Justice. “Their program is committed to ensuring homeowners have
the resources and support to weather any financial hardship and maintain their homes for years to come.”
Greathouse encourages anyone struggling to pay their mortgage, utilities, taxes, or, with anything related to their home, should at the very least apply.
“There are a lot of people that need this help, but we have more money to spend and we have the capacity to take on more applications,” Greathouse said.
The program is open to new applications for any homeowner who has not yet received assistance. Eligibility requirements and an application can be found at www.wvhomerescue.com.
Information on housing stability services and resources can also be found online at www.wvhdf.com/housing-stability, and the West Virginia Homeowners Rescue Facebook page and the Fund’s Instagram feed @wvhousing.