IHCDA COVID-19 update: A message from Jake
Good afternoon. I hope you and your families continue to stay safe and healthy. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and plans of reopening the economy both in Indiana and throughout the country are beginning to take shape, housing stability continues to be our major focus.
In early March, our Director of Asset Preservation Mark Neyland recognized the potential challenges that COVID-19 could have on Indiana homeowners. He immediately contacted the U.S. Department of Treasury to begin an open dialogue about our ability to resume offering mortgage payment assistance using our remaining Hardest Hit Fund (HHF) dollars.
And, earlier this month we were given approval by Treasury to start offering mortgage payment assistance of up to $30,000 or 6 months to qualified Indiana homeowners to help prevent foreclosure. I would like to publicly thank Mark and his team for their continued leadership to assist Indiana homeowners avoid foreclosure.
Since its inception, the HHF program has helped more than 11,000 Indiana homeowners remain in their homes. And, thanks to our team and network of housing counselors, we are helping more Indiana residents avoid foreclosure during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you know someone that is struggling to make their mortgage payment, please have them visit: www.877gethope.org.
I know a lot of you assist SSI recipients. I want to make sure that you aware of the May 5th deadline for individuals who did not file a 2019 or 2018 tax return. Failure to complete the necessary steps by this date could mean they miss out on the $500 economic impact payments for each child. The Social Security Administration has information about this, and other resources, on their Social Security & Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) webpage.
From an operational perspective, we will continue to work remotely until at least Friday, May 15th. Despite our offices remaining closed, we are continuing to operate at full capacity. Thank you for your continued partnership in helping us provide affordable housing, promote self-sufficiency and strengthen communities. I hear stories everyday of the great work you are doing to help Hoosiers throughout our state. Please continue to share those with us and on social media using the #INthistogether.
Whether working remotely or onsite, we will continue to be here for you and your organizations. As always, please don't hesitate to contact me at jsipe@ihcda.in.gov or on my direct line at 317-233-1811 if there is anything I can do to help you or your organization. Remember, we're #INthistogether!
 J. Jacob Sipe
Executive Director
 
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