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For homeowners facing financial hardship, the primary state-level mortgage relief program, the NC Homeowner Assistance Fund (NCHAF), is no longer accepting new applications. The program officially closed to new applicants in November 2023.
While this development may be concerning, it is critical to know that North Carolina continues to offer a strong network of alternative resources. A variety of active foreclosure prevention programs, financial assistance options, and free, expert counseling services are available to help homeowners navigate their financial challenges and secure their housing.
A Look Back: The NC Homeowner Assistance Fund (NCHAF)
To provide context for homeowners who may still be searching for this specific program, it is useful to understand its history. The NCHAF was a temporary emergency measure created to address the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite its success, the program faced some administrative hurdles, including initial payment processing delays. The closure of such a high-profile fund has created an information gap, sometimes leading homeowners to predatory companies that charge high fees for services available for free. The following sections provide a clear path to legitimate and currently available assistance.
If you are falling behind on mortgage payments or anticipate a future struggle, taking immediate action is the most effective way to prevent foreclosure. Delaying significantly reduces your available options. The two most critical first steps are communicating with your mortgage servicer and seeking expert guidance from a housing counselor.
Step 1: Contact Your Mortgage Servicer
Your mortgage servicer—the company you send payments to—should be your first call. It is essential to open all mail from your lender and communicate your financial situation honestly and early. Many lenders have internal loss mitigation programs designed to help borrowers through temporary hardship.
Common solutions include:
Step 2: Access Free, Professional Housing Counseling
Before or during your communication with a servicer, connect with a HUD-approved housing counselor. These certified professionals work for non-profit agencies and provide their services for free, acting as an expert advocate on your behalf.
A housing counselor will:
You can find a certified counselor through these official channels:
North Carolina's support system for homeowners is a network of specialized services. Eligibility often depends on factors like income, location, and the cause of the financial hardship. A housing counselor can help you identify the most suitable programs for your situation.
State Home Foreclosure Prevention Project (SHFPP)
This is North Carolina's primary initiative for homeowners at risk of foreclosure. It is a counseling-focused project administered by the NC Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) in partnership with the NC Commissioner of Banks.
The SHFPP provides free, expert foreclosure prevention counseling to any North Carolina homeowner. Counselors work with you to assess your finances and negotiate a "workout" plan with your mortgage servicer to make payments manageable. For low-income homeowners, the project also serves as a gateway to free legal services. To get started, call the NCHFA's dedicated call center at 1-888-442-8188.
Note on a Legacy Program: The NC Foreclosure Prevention Fund
You may see information about the NC Foreclosure Prevention Fund, an earlier program funded by the U.S. Treasury's Hardest Hit Fund®. This fund offered zero-interest, deferred loans to help unemployed homeowners. While this specific loan is no longer active, the counseling infrastructure it helped build remains the foundation of the state's current efforts through the SHFPP.
Emergency Assistance for Families in Crisis
For families facing an immediate financial emergency, the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) offers short-term aid through its Work First program. This program can provide funds to pay for housing and utilities to prevent eviction or disconnection.
To qualify, a family must include a child, have a household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, and provide proof of identity and citizenship. Applications must be submitted at your local County Department of Social Services office.
Disaster-Specific Mortgage Relief
Some housing aid in North Carolina is tied to specific, federally declared disasters. You are only eligible if your financial hardship is a direct result of such an event.
Targeted Assistance for Seniors and Home Repairs
Several programs focus on helping specific populations maintain their homes and prevent small repair issues from becoming major financial burdens.
When financial negotiations are not enough, understanding your legal rights and accessing professional legal help is critical.
Accessing Free Legal Services
For homeowners who cannot afford an attorney, Legal Aid of North Carolina is the state's primary provider of free legal services in civil cases for low-income residents. Its Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Project (MFP) is a specialized team dedicated to foreclosure defense.
Services are generally available to households with incomes at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. To apply for help, call the statewide helpline at 1-866-219-LANC (5262).
Understanding the North Carolina Foreclosure Process
North Carolina primarily uses a non-judicial foreclosure process, which is generally faster than a judicial one. The process typically begins when the lender files a notice of hearing with the clerk of court.
A key feature of state law is the 10-day "upset bid" period that follows the foreclosure auction. During this window, the sale is not yet final, and another party can place a higher bid. This period also represents a final opportunity for the homeowner to redeem the property by paying off the total debt owed. This 10-day clock highlights the importance of acting quickly.
In addition to state and federal programs, many municipal and county governments offer their own housing assistance. Homeowners should always investigate what is available in their immediate community.
Spotlight on Municipal Assistance
Many local programs focus on helping first-time homebuyers, but some may offer emergency grants or repair programs. Check with your local housing department for available aid.
Examples of city-run programs include:
How to Find Local Resources
Identifying local aid is easier with centralized resources.
This directory consolidates the most critical contacts for North Carolina homeowners seeking mortgage relief and foreclosure prevention assistance.
| Resource/Program Name | Primary Purpose | Direct Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| State Home Foreclosure Prevention Project | Primary state resource for foreclosure counseling and servicer negotiation. | 1-888-442-8188 |
| HUD-Approved Housing Counselor Locator | Find a free, local, non-profit expert to guide you through your options. | consumerfinance.gov/find-a-housing-counselor/ or 1-800-569-4287 |
| Legal Aid of North Carolina | Free legal representation and advice on foreclosure for low-income residents. | 1-866-219-LANC (5262) |
| NC 211 | 24/7 confidential helpline for all local health and human services, including housing. | Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 |
| NC Dept. of Health & Human Services (DHHS) | Apply for Emergency Assistance and other low-income services. | Contact your local County Dept. of Social Services (Find via ncdhhs.gov) |
| USDA Rural Development (NC Office) | Loans and grants for home purchase and repair for low-income rural residents. | (919) 873-2000 or rd.usda.gov/nc |
As of late 2025, the NC Homeowner Assistance Fund, which powers the North Carolina Mortgage Relief Program, has closed to new applications. Funds have been fully allocated to assist homeowners impacted by the pandemic. Homeowners seeking aid should now contact HUD-approved housing counselors for alternative foreclosure prevention options.
Since the North Carolina Mortgage Relief Program is no longer accepting applications, reapplying is not an option. If you were previously denied, we recommend contacting the NC Department of Justice or a local housing counseling agency to explore other financial assistance programs or mortgage help resources available in the state.
No, the program offered broader housing-related financial assistance. The NC Homeowner Assistance Fund also provided eligible homeowners with funds for past-due property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and homeowners association (HOA) dues to prevent foreclosure and displacement, offering comprehensive support beyond just the primary mortgage.
To qualify for the North Carolina Mortgage Relief Program, applicants needed to have experienced a COVID-19 related financial hardship after January 21, 2020. They also had to meet specific income limits, own and occupy the property as their primary residence in North Carolina, and have a mortgage balance below conforming loan limits.
Receiving assistance from the North Carolina Mortgage Relief Program did not negatively impact a homeowner's credit score. The funds were provided as a grant directly to the loan servicer or relevant entity. This assistance helped homeowners become current on payments, which can positively influence their credit history over time.
Yes, the NC Homeowner Assistance Fund established a maximum amount of assistance a homeowner could receive. The cap was set at $80,000 per eligible household. This limit was designed to ensure the funds could be distributed to help a greater number of North Carolina families facing housing instability.
Absolutely. A key feature of the North Carolina Mortgage Relief Program was providing direct assistance for delinquent property taxes. This helped homeowners avoid tax foreclosure, a common risk for those struggling financially. The aid was paid directly to the county tax office on the homeowner's behalf.
With the NC Homeowner Assistance Fund depleted, state resources have shifted towards connecting residents with sustainable, long-term solutions. This includes free housing counseling, legal aid services for foreclosure issues, and guidance on other state and federal programs designed to support homeowners facing financial hardship.
No, the assistance was structured as a zero-interest, non-recourse grant. Homeowners who received funds through the NC Homeowner Assistance Fund are not required to repay the money. The program's goal was to provide immediate relief and stabilize housing without creating future debt for struggling families.
For trustworthy foreclosure prevention assistance, contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency in North Carolina. You can also call the NC Foreclosure Prevention Hotline. These resources offer free, expert advice on budgeting, communicating with your lender, and exploring available options to help you stay in your home.
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