Better Community Neighborhoods, Inc. to Help with Applications and Technical Assistance
Hotline Available to Answer Eligibility Questions
Schenectady County, the City of Schenectady and Better Community Neighborhoods, Inc. (BCNI) are gearing up to help homeowners impacted by the pandemic apply for $540 million in assistance.
“Thank you Governor Hochul for making this a priority. Many families have been financially affected by the pandemic – whether due to a job loss, a decrease in work hours or leaving the workforce to care for children or other family members,” said Schenectady County Legislator Richard Ruzzo, Chair of the Neighborhood Revitalization & Housing Committee. “Our goal is to help homeowners who need assistance accessing this new funding. We are working with the City and Better Community Neighborhoods, Inc. to help provide the information and technical assistance needed to help families stay in their homes at this critical time.”
The New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund’s (NYS HAF) is a federally funded program, administered through the Division of Housing and Community Renewal (NYSHCR), that is available to help homeowners who are at risk of default, foreclosure or displacement as a result of a financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Information on applying for the new program is available at www.nyhomeownerfund.org, and by calling 1-844-776-9423.
Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis so eligible homeowners need to quickly gather all the information and documents needed, so they can apply as soon as applications are open.
New York State’s COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Act of 2020 instituted a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures for renters and residential property owners experiencing COVID-19-related hardships. The moratorium is currently in place until January 15, 2022.
“The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been far-reaching and many families across the country are still facing tough financial hardship,” said Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy. “This funding is a critical component of our economic recovery, and so we strongly encourage eligible homeowners to provide the information needed to access this assistance.”
“BCNI is working closely with NYS Homes & Community Renewal, Sustainable Neighborhoods and NYS Office of the Attorney General to ensure that we are fully prepared to assist in guiding our community’s homeowners through the application process,” said Jennica Huff, Chief Executive Officer of Better Community Neighborhoods, Inc. “Housing Counseling Team will work with the state and lenders to ensure affordable loan modifications are completed and coupled with the funding to bring homeowners current on their mortgage obligations and maintain stability in our neighborhoods.”
BCNI will hold a series of virtual informational clinics in December for homeowners interested in learning more about NYS HAF. Registration is required – sign-up at www.bcnihousing.org.
Schedule of Virtual Clinics
Thursday December 9, 2021 from 12-1pm
Monday December 13, 2021 from 12-1pm
Thursday December 16, 2021 from 12-1pm
Wednesday December 29, 2021 from 12-1pm
More information about HAF, including eligibility information, application guide, FAQs and list of required documents is available at www.nyhomeownerfund.org. Residents can also sign up on the website to be notified when applications open.