$25 Million in Homeowner Assistance Distributed to Thousands Affected by the Pandemic, More Encouraged to Apply

The Louisiana Office of the Governor announced on August 10, 2022, that the state of Louisiana had distributed $25.4 million in mortgage assistance to 2,769 homeowners via the Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Fund, a federally funded relief program for homeowners financially impacted by COVID-19 who are behind on their mortgages and at risk of foreclosure. Louisiana was one of the first states to implement the program.

“Disbursing $25 million in assistance to homeowners throughout the state is an important milestone for the program and for Louisiana, as so many residents continue to face financial impacts of COVID-19,” said Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards. “Our goal is to serve as many eligible homeowners as possible, and this is only the beginning. We know that there are many more of our people who could take advantage of this program, and that’s why I am encouraging those homeowners impacted by COVID-19 and meet the eligibility criteria to learn more and apply.”

Homeowners can learn if they are qualified for assistance and apply by going to haf.lacovidhousing.com.

The initiative, which launched in January 2022, and is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, will provide $10 billion in federal help to vulnerable homeowners around the country. Louisiana received $146.7 million and is entitled to up to $25,000 per qualified homeowner. The program is managed by the Louisiana Office of Community Development.

Those who meet the following conditions are eligible homeowners:

• ​Own and occupy a home in Louisiana as their primary residence
• Meet income qualifications
• Must be at least 30 days delinquent on mortgage payments
• Experienced a financial hardship associated with the COVID-19 pandemic

“The state has taken several steps to establish efficiencies in the review process so that funds will more quickly be delivered to approved homeowners, and we continue to work with partner lenders to streamline and simplify the process,” said Desireé Honoré Thomas, assistant commissioner of statewide services for the Division of Administration. “Our goal is to provide this assistance to residents in need as quickly as possible, and we’re doing everything we can to make that happen.”

Renters who have been financially impacted by COVID-19 and have fallen behind on their rent payments may be eligible for aid through the Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), which began in March 2021 and is funded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act and the American Rescue Plan Act, provides emergency rental and utility assistance to Louisiana residents in 57 parishes who experienced housing instability during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visit lacovidhousing.com to apply or learn more about HAF and ERAP. Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., call the program hotline at:

• LA HAF Call Center 833.88.LAHAF (833.885.2423)
• ERAP Call Center 877.456.6555