Governor's Office of Small, Minority and Women Business Affairs
Spotlight on Education: Morgan State University
Morgan State University Entrepreneurial Development & Assistance Center (MSU EDAC) for the Women Veteran Entrepreneurs (WVE) Initiative: you are invited to attend the January webinar.
Please use this link to register January 27 webinar from 12:30PM to 1:30PM EST.
Governor Hogan Announces Opening of Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund
Will Support Mortgage Relief Programs, Housing-Related Services
Governor Larry Hogan announced the launch of the $248 million Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund, which will be administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to support mortgage relief, home repairs, housing counseling, and legal services.
“Across Maryland, there are homeowners who are struggling to keep up with their mortgage payments due to the financial hardships related to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Hogan. “The programs we are announcing today through the Homeowner Assistance Fund will help keep Marylanders in their homes and support our state’s economic recovery.”
Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund. The State of Maryland will be distributing $248 million through the fund in the following targeted amounts:
- Approximately $171 millionto provide loans to assist homeowners who have experienced financial hardship with their mortgages and $34 millionto provide grants to assist with property tax, homeowner association, and other types of delinquencies
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$10 millionfor the WholeHome program to help homeowners with necessary repairs and energy efficiency improvements
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$8 millionfor housing counseling agencies and $3 millionfor legal services providers to help homeowners navigate the foreclosure process
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$22 millionfor program case management, administration, and marketing and outreach to ensure eligible homeowners, including minority populations and those in especially hard-hit areas, are aware of the relief
“Maryland was one of the first three states whose plans were approved by the U.S. Treasury in late November,” said Secretary Kenneth C. Holt. “Our team has been working diligently to ensure we are one of the first states to deploy this assistance to those who need it most.”
Be Informed. Marylanders currently experiencing issues with their mortgage should contact their mortgage servicer—the company that processes their monthly payment—to inquire about forbearance and loss mitigation options. To be connected to housing counseling and legal services, call 1-877-462-7555. DHCD is awarding $4.4M in Fiscal Year 2022 to 29 housing counseling and legal services agencies that can help Marylanders access Homeowner Assistance Fund relief.
Program Portal. The Homeowner Assistance Fund will assist applicants who were unemployed or underemployed on or after Jan. 21, 2020, resulting in mortgage delinquency or forbearance and other types of homeowner delinquencies. Marylanders can determine their eligibility and apply by visiting homeownerassistance.maryland.gov and clicking on “Check Eligibility” under "Get Started." For assistance in applying or navigating the application portal, call 833-676-0119, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. or Saturday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Emergency Home Repairs. The Homeowner Assistance Fund WholeHome Grant will help Maryland homeowners who have an emergency repair in their primary residence that they are unable to address because of the financial impact of COVID-19. Without addressing these repairs, it will cause the homeowner to be “involuntarily displaced” from the property. The grant will be capped at $10,000 and will be used to address any emergency repairs, including mold remediation, asbestos and lead paint removal, no heat or no air, electrical repairs, plumbing and septic repairs, and other structural and maintenance issues. For more information and to apply visit dhcd.maryland.gov/wholehome or call 877-568-6105.
Mortgage Servicer Help. The Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation (OCFR) within the Maryland Department of Labor is responsible for regulating the mortgage service industry in Maryland. If a homeowner feels that their servicer is not properly participating in the Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund, they may report their concern to OCFR by calling 410-230-6077 or by visiting labor.maryland.gov/finance/consumers to submit a complaint.
Visit homeownerassistance.maryland.gov for additional program details, including eligibility information, a document checklist, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources is Hiring
Are you looking for a new career in the new year?
The Department is hiring. Keep an eye on our jobs board if you are looking for a career working for Maryland's natural resources.
Hundreds of seasonal opportunities in Maryland state parks have just opened. Applications are due Jan. 25.
More DNR News:
2022 Arbor Day Poster Contest Deadline Approaches
The Maryland Forest Service, in partnership with the Maryland Forest Conservancy District Boards, is sponsoring a poster contest for fifth-grade classes throughout Maryland.
The theme for the poster is "Trees Are Terrific….and Maryland Forests are Too." Statewide winners will receive tree plantings at their schools. Learn more about the poster contest.
Start Making Your Camping Reservations Now
Now is the time to reserve your campsites for the 2022 season. Spots fill up fast so get planning now. Our online reservation system makes finding your campsite a breeze!
Are you new to camping in Maryland? We can help. Check out our Camping Q&A page.
2022 Session of the Maryland General Assembly has Convened
The Maryland General Assembly is currently meeting in Annapolis for the 2022 Legislative Session. As a service to the veteran community, information on proposed legislation of possible interest to veterans is provided below:
2022 Legislative Information
You may check the status of proposed legislation by visiting the:
Maryland General Assembly Website
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