News Details
Polk Partners with Central Florida HANDS for Mortgage Assistance Program
Published on Apr 15, 2022
The Polk County Board of County Commissioners has partnered with the Housing and Neighborhood Development Services of Central Florida to distribute nearly $890,000 in mortgage assistance funds to those who need the assistance most starting today, April 15.
The Board approved the contract with HANDS of Central Florida last week during its regular meeting to provide Community Development Block Grant funding for Polk residents directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Homeowners weren’t anymore immune to the effects of the pandemic than anyone else in our community,” said Tarrel Davis, Polk’s community development supervisor. “While many of them were able to work out temporary leniency programs with their lenders, these funds can help close the gap on what they owe.”
Through the Mortgage Assistance Program, eligible recipients can receive up to six months of payment assistance (maximum of $12,000) toward their delinquent mortgage payments for those directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. For those who qualify, the mortgage payments will be made to the lender on behalf of an individual or family.
To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria, which includes:
- Must be a Polk County resident (excluding City of Lakeland residents per the CDBG funding guidelines)
- Gross annual income must not exceed 80 percent of the area average median income
- Proof of a loss of income, reduction in hours or unemployment as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic
- Must have a primary mortgage in the applicant’s name