Helping homeowners: Congressman David Scott and the Georgia Homeowner Assistance Fund

On Wednesday, January 19th (2022), Congressman David Scott (GA-13) holds a press conference regarding the unveiling of a new fund to lend support to Georgia Homeowners. The mid-morning (10am EST) event includes Christopher Nunn, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Commissioner, along with other local officials and media outlets (ourselves included).

As part of the program, $354 million is allocated for Georgians in need of assistance with mortgage, delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, and past-due utilities. Commissioner Nunn notes in his remarks nearly 3% of all Georgia homeowners are 90-days delinquent on their mortgages, and the hope is with this program to reduce the spike in foreclosures related to the adverse impact of Covid-19.

Nancy Flake Johnson, the President/CEO at the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, shares data supporting the need for this program, including the disproportionate impact on African-American and related communities. With 1 in 5 renters behind in their rent/utilities along with the larger national data of nearly 10 million homeowners who are 90-days behind in their mortgages (potential foreclosure), the levels are nearly mirroring those of the Great Recession of 2010 (you may view the complete video below):

Congressman Scott adds perspective on the assistance provided (HR-1710) as part of its incorporation of the American Rescue Plan via President Joseph Biden. With collaborative efforts and partnerships with Commissioner Nunn, CEO Johnson, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and Becky Taylor (among others), this can help reduce the pandemic-related effects on Georgia Homeowners. There is an online portal for application (click HERE to find out more); likewise, for those who may not have online access, there are other options available to apply for assistance, including phone and working with housing counselors and related agencies (check out the short video below where our question is fielded):

In working together, Congressman Scott, along with collaboration with fellow congressmen and women, state agencies, and the nonprofit community, are providing access to resources to lend assistance given the challenges of the now-normal.

With the Georgia Homeowner Assistance Fund, help is on the way.

Update: Readers may visit a second website to apply (click HERE); applicants must provide a driver's license, a mortgage statement, and tax returns and/or income verification documents. Make sure to contact DCA at haf@dca.ga.gov or call 1-877-519-4443.