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Facing financial hardship can be one of the most stressful experiences for a homeowner. The fear of losing your home can feel overwhelming, especially when you are struggling with mortgage payments. It is crucial to know that resources are available to help you stabilize your situation and avoid foreclosure.
While the primary Missouri mortgage relief program from the COVID-19 pandemic has concluded, a strong support network still exists. This network provides expert guidance, financial options, and a sustainable path forward. Understanding these resources is the first step toward regaining control and preserving your homeownership.
To understand the current landscape of mortgage assistance, it is important to first address the program that many Missourians remember: the State Assistance for Housing Relief (SAFHR) for Homeowners. This program was a significant, but temporary, source of aid.
The Federal Initiative Behind the Relief
The SAFHR program was Missouri's implementation of the national Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). Established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the HAF allocated nearly $10 billion to states to help homeowners who experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Department of the Treasury oversaw the fund, which was designed to prevent mortgage delinquencies, defaults, and foreclosures.
How SAFHR Assisted Missouri Homeowners
Missouri received approximately $138 million from the federal HAF to create the SAFHR for Homeowners program. Managed by the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC), this program provided direct financial assistance to eligible homeowners. The aid was a grant that did not need to be repaid and was sent directly to the mortgage servicer.
The program offered two primary forms of assistance, with a maximum benefit of up to $50,000 per household:
To qualify, homeowners had to demonstrate a pandemic-related financial hardship after January 21, 2020. Their household income had to be at or below 150% of the area median income (AMI), and the property had to be their primary residence in Missouri.
Important Update: The Current Status of the SAFHR Program
The SAFHR program was a critical but temporary emergency measure. The Missouri SAFHR for Homeowners program is no longer accepting applications. The program has officially closed because the federal funds have been fully expended. The related SAFHR program for rental assistance has also ended, marking the conclusion of this chapter of pandemic-related housing aid.
When facing a potential mortgage delinquency, time is of the essence. Proactive communication and expert guidance are your most powerful tools. Taking the following two steps immediately can dramatically improve your chances of finding a positive resolution.
Step One: Contact Your Mortgage Servicer Immediately
Your first and most important action is to contact your mortgage lender or servicer as soon as you anticipate trouble making a payment. Lenders are often more willing to work with borrowers who communicate early and honestly. They generally prefer to avoid foreclosure, which is a costly process for them as well.
Do not ignore letters or phone calls from your lender, as they contain vital information and legal deadlines. When you speak with your servicer, be prepared to explain your situation and ask about loss mitigation options, which may include:
Step Two: Engage a Free, HUD-Approved Housing Counselor
After contacting your lender, your next call should be to a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. This is a valuable and underutilized resource for struggling homeowners. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds these non-profit agencies to provide free or low-cost expert advice.
A certified housing counselor is a financial professional who can:
These counselors work for you, not the lender. Their goal is to help you find the best possible outcome for your situation.
Beyond the two critical first steps, Missouri has a robust network of organizations dedicated to preserving homeownership. Understanding these resources can provide you with the specialized support you need.
The Role and Services of a Housing Counselor
HUD-approved housing counselors provide comprehensive services tailored to your specific needs. They are trained experts in navigating the complexities of the mortgage industry and federal housing regulations.
Their primary services for homeowners at risk of foreclosure include:
Finding a HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency in Missouri
Locating a certified housing counselor is straightforward. HUD provides an online search tool and a toll-free hotline to connect you with an agency in your area. To simplify this process, here is a list of prominent HUD-approved agencies serving various regions of Missouri.
| Agency Name | Service Area | Phone Number | Website | Key Services Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beyond Housing | St. Louis Metro | (314) 533-0600 | beyondhousing.org | Foreclosure Prevention, Budget Counseling, Homebuyer Education |
| Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis | St. Louis Metro | (314) 615-3600 | ulstl.com | Foreclosure Prevention, Financial Management, Rental Counseling |
| The Housing Partnership, Inc. | St. Louis Metro | (314) 631-9905 | thehousingpartnershipstl.org | Budget Counseling, Pre-purchase Counseling |
| Credit & Homeownership Empowerment Services (CHES) | Kansas City Metro | (816) 533-7417 | chesinc.org | Foreclosure Prevention, Financial Management, Homebuyer Education |
| NACA (Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America) | St. Louis, Kansas City | (314) 645-8333 | N/A | Foreclosure Prevention, Budget Counseling, Pre-purchase Counseling |
| Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri | Central/Northern MO | (573) 635-7719 | cccnmo.diojeffcity.org | Foreclosure Prevention, Rental Counseling, Homeless Services |
| Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Heartland | Statewide | (800) 882-0808 | cccsoftheheartland.org | Foreclosure Prevention, Budget Counseling, Reverse Mortgage Counseling |
| Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri | Southern MO | (417) 624-3790 | ccsomo.org | Budget Counseling, Rental Counseling, Home Repair Counseling |
Legal Assistance for Complex Situations
In some cases, financial counseling alone may not be enough. If your situation involves potential fraud, predatory lending, or significant legal errors, you may need legal assistance. Bankruptcy can also be a viable option to stop foreclosure.
Missouri has four non-profit legal aid programs that provide free legal services to low-income individuals. These organizations can represent homeowners in court, challenge improper foreclosures, and file Chapter 13 bankruptcies to create a repayment plan. The programs are:
While there are no current state programs that directly pay your mortgage, other forms of assistance can improve your overall financial stability. Reducing other major household expenses can free up funds to help you afford your mortgage payment.
Home Repair Assistance to Prevent Financial Shocks
A sudden, costly home repair can easily derail a tight budget and lead to a missed mortgage payment. Two programs in Missouri are designed to help homeowners manage these expenses.
Reducing Household Costs with Utility Assistance
High energy bills can strain any household budget. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income households pay for heating and cooling costs. This assistance can make a significant difference in your monthly cash flow and is often accessed through local Community Action Agencies.
Financial distress can attract predatory companies that seek to profit from a homeowner's desperation. It is vital to recognize the warning signs of a mortgage relief scam.
Be extremely wary of any person or company that:
If you encounter these tactics, report the company to the Missouri Attorney General's Office. Remember, the best help available from HUD-approved counselors is free.
Navigating the threat of foreclosure is a difficult journey, but you do not have to face it alone. Although the large-scale Missouri State Assistance for Housing Relief (SAFHR) program has ended, a dedicated and effective support system remains. The key to a successful outcome is taking prompt, informed action.
By focusing on the two most critical steps—contacting your mortgage servicer and engaging a free, HUD-approved housing counselor—you can open the door to viable solutions. These experts provide the guidance and advocacy needed to explore all available options. Taking these proactive steps is the most powerful way to protect your home and work toward a more secure financial future.
No, the Missouri mortgage relief program, officially the State Assistance for Housing Relief (SAFHR) for Homeowners, is permanently closed. The Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) stopped accepting new applications on June 30, 2023. No new federal funds have been allocated for a direct replacement program.
The Missouri mortgage relief program covered more than just monthly payments. It provided funds for delinquent mortgage principal and interest, past-due property taxes, and homeowner’s insurance. In some cases, it also covered overdue homeowner or condominium association fees to prevent foreclosure and liens on a property.
To qualify for the former Missouri SAFHR program, homeowners needed to have experienced a financial hardship after January 21, 2020. This commonly included a reduction in income, job loss, or a significant increase in healthcare or living costs directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
No, the financial assistance provided through the Missouri mortgage relief program was a grant, not a loan. Missouri homeowners who received aid were not required to pay it back. The program was structured to offer direct financial help without creating additional long-term debt for struggling families.
With the SAFHR program closed, Missouri homeowners facing foreclosure should immediately contact their mortgage servicer to discuss loan modification or forbearance options. You can also connect with a free HUD-approved housing counseling agency in Missouri to explore all currently available local and federal resources for financial assistance.
Yes, the Missouri SAFHR program did provide assistance for past-due utility payments for eligible homeowners. This support included expenses for electricity, natural gas, water, and sewer services. This was a critical component of the progr
The Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) was the state agency responsible for administering the SAFHR program. MHDC managed the entire process, from processing applications and verifying eligibility to distributing payments directly to mortgage lenders, insurance companies, local tax authorities, and other necessary payees on behalf of the homeowner.
Under the Missouri mortgage relief program, eligible homeowners could receive a maximum of $50,000 in total assistance. This cap was established to cover significant delinquencies across mortgage payments, property taxes, and insurance, providing a substantial lifeline to help families avoid foreclosure and remain in their homes.
No, the SAFHR for Homeowners program was exclusively for property owners needing mortgage assistance. Missouri ran a separate but related program, SAFHR for Renters, to address housing instability for tenants. The two programs were funded and administered separately to meet different needs within the state's housing market.
Currently, there are no official announcements for a new statewide Missouri mortgage relief program. The SAFHR program was funded by temporary federal COVID-19 relief funds. Homeowners should periodically check the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) website for information on any new housing assistance initiatives that may become available.
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