CHARLESTON — During Tuesday’s briefing, Gov. Justice announced that the new West Virginia Homeowners Rescue Program is now open and accepting applications from West Virginia homeowners who have experienced a financial hardship related to COVID-19.

“This is a program that we want you to take advantage of because it will bring a lot of money into West Virginia and really help our state and our people,” Gov. Justice said.

The program can provide assistance for past-due mortgage payments of up to $15,000, past-due utilities of up to $2,500, past-due insurance, property tax payments, and other housing costs of up to $5,000, $300 in internet assistance, and $500 of assistance on certain downpayment loans.

The program is not just for people that have a mortgage loan on their home. Someone that owns their home outright, but who may have fallen behind on property taxes can also get some benefit from this program, among other circumstances.

To be eligible, applicants’ income cannot exceed 150% of the area median income for their county. Their primary residence must be in West Virginia, and can be a single-family home, a condo, a townhouse, a mobile home, or a duplex. Applicants must also be able to demonstrate a COVID-related hardship, such as a decrease in income, and/or an increase in expenses related to the pandemic.

The Governor was joined by Erica Boggess, Director of the West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF), which is administering the program.

“You can apply on your computer, a tablet, smartphone, or you can request a paper application if that’s what you need,” Boggess said. “I want to encourage everybody to go to our website and read about the program. It tells you all the qualifications, all the ways you can get help, and it provides a list of the documents you might need to fill out your application to speed up the process.”

More information: wvhdf.com/west-virginia-homeowners-rescue

Also on Tuesday, Gov. Justice and Boggess offered a reminder that the Mountaineer Rental Assistance Program remains open as well.

The program provides tax-free financial assistance to renters who have lost their job, had their income reduced or suffered a significant cost or financial hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Landlords with tenants who are struggling with rent or utility payments due to COVID-19 may also find that their tenants are eligible for rental assistance, with rental payments sent directly to landlords.

More information: wvhdf.com/mountaineer-rental-assistance-program