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Securing Rhode Island mortgage relief is a critical goal for homeowners experiencing financial hardship. A robust system of support exists to help you avoid foreclosure if you are struggling to make your mortgage payments. It is essential to understand that you are not alone and that proactive steps can lead to a sustainable solution.
State-chartered agencies, non-profit organizations, and legal aid services offer a clear path toward stability. They provide resources like foreclosure prevention counseling, state-mandated mediation, and free legal assistance. The key to a successful outcome is to act quickly and engage with these established support networks.
Critical Update: The Status of the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF-RI)
It is important for homeowners to have the most current information. The Homeowner Assistance Fund Rhode Island (HAF-RI) program, a significant source of federal relief created to address COVID-19 related hardships, is closed to new applications as of July 25, 2023. Many online resources may still reference this program, but it is no longer an available option for new applicants.
The closure of this temporary fund marks a return to the state's permanent and foundational support systems for homeowners. While HAF-RI provided direct grants to cover past-due balances, the currently available resources focus on creating long-term, sustainable solutions. The strategy for homeowners has shifted from applying for a one-time grant to engaging in a structured process of professional counseling, direct negotiation with lenders, and leveraging legal protections to achieve a manageable mortgage payment for the future.
Your Immediate Action Plan: Three Steps to Take Right Now
When facing mortgage difficulties, the feeling of being overwhelmed can be paralyzing. Taking immediate, focused action is the most effective way to regain a sense of control. The following three steps are the foundation of a successful foreclosure prevention strategy.
Step 1: Contact Your Mortgage Servicer
The first and most crucial step is to communicate with your lender or mortgage servicer as soon as you anticipate having trouble making a payment. Lenders are not in the business of owning homes; they would much rather find a workable solution than proceed with a costly and complex foreclosure process.
When you call, be prepared to explain your situation honestly. State that you are experiencing a financial hardship and wish to explore your options for mortgage relief or loss mitigation. Federal mortgage servicing laws often require servicers to discuss foreclosure alternatives with you, so initiating this conversation is a protected and necessary step.
Step 2: Gather Your Financial Documents
Nearly every assistance program will require a clear picture of your financial situation to determine your eligibility and identify the best possible solutions. Gathering these documents now will save critical time later in the process.
While the specific requirements may vary slightly, the core documents are consistent across all agencies:
Having these documents organized allows a housing counselor or legal representative to assess your case quickly and advocate effectively on your behalf.
Step 3: Do Not Pay for Foreclosure Prevention Help
Be extremely wary of any company that charges upfront fees for foreclosure prevention services or promises guaranteed results. Legitimate, effective assistance is available at no cost to you from state-sponsored programs and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved counseling agencies. These non-profit organizations are funded to provide free, expert guidance. Paying a private company for these services is unnecessary and often a sign of a predatory scam that targets vulnerable homeowners.
At the center of Rhode Island's homeowner assistance network is RI Housing. As a state-chartered entity, it serves as the primary, trusted resource for residents navigating mortgage challenges. Its Help Center is a HUD-approved counseling agency that provides a suite of free, confidential services designed to prevent foreclosure and promote long-term housing stability.
Service 1: Free HUD-Approved Housing Counseling
The first point of contact for most struggling homeowners should be RI Housing's Help Center. This is not simply a source of advice; it is a hub for active advocacy. Certified housing counselors work as your professional ally, providing expert guidance and direct intervention to resolve your mortgage delinquency.
What to Expect During Your Session
A counseling session involves a comprehensive review of your finances, including your income, expenses, and debts. Based on this assessment, your counselor will:
How to Get Started
To begin the process, you must complete and submit a Financial Information Package. A counselor will then be assigned to your case to review your options.
Service 2: The Foreclosure Mediation Program
Rhode Island law provides a powerful protection for homeowners: the right to a formal mediation conference with their lender. Under R.I. General Laws § 34-27-3.2, this program is designed to facilitate a resolution and is a critical tool for avoiding foreclosure.
This program is more than just a meeting; it is a state-mandated process that levels the playing field. Lenders are legally required to participate in good faith, and the entire process is overseen by RI Housing, which acts as a neutral facilitator. This structure ensures that your case is given serious consideration.
The effectiveness of this approach is clear: since its inception in 2013, approximately 70% of mediation conferences have resulted in the lender not proceeding to foreclosure. A significant feature of the program is its cost structure. The service is entirely free for the homeowner; the mortgage lender is required by law to pay the associated fees.
The Mediation Process
The mediation process follows a clear path:
Service 3: Tax Lien Assistance (The Madeline Walker Act)
Foreclosure can also result from delinquent property taxes. The Madeline Walker Act is a unique Rhode Island state law that provides a critical safety net for homeowners at risk of losing their homes in a tax sale.
Under this law, RI Housing has the legal right to purchase delinquent tax liens on owner-occupied properties (1-3 units) from municipalities before they are sold to private investors at a public auction. The primary benefit this provides is time. A private investor who purchases a tax lien can initiate foreclosure proceedings after holding the lien for just one year.
However, the Madeline Walker Act requires RI Housing to hold the lien for a minimum of five years before it can begin foreclosure. This five-fold increase in the remediation window is the program's core strength. It transforms an immediate crisis into a manageable, long-term challenge.
During this extended period, RI Housing works with the homeowner to:
There is a critical and non-negotiable deadline for this program. To be eligible for assistance, a homeowner must contact RI Housing at least 20 days prior to the scheduled tax sale date. Missing this deadline means RI Housing will be unable to intervene, and the tax lien will proceed to public auction.
In situations where foreclosure is imminent or legal complexities arise, professional legal representation is invaluable. Rhode Island has a two-pronged legal safety net that provides free services to homeowners, ensuring that assistance is available to residents across different circumstances.
This dual structure acknowledges that financial hardship is not exclusive to one income bracket. One program is designed for those who have experienced a specific life event that caused their financial distress, while the other serves low-income individuals more broadly. Understanding the distinction will help you connect with the right resource for your situation.
Option 1: The Rhode Island Bar Association's Foreclosure Prevention Project
This program is specifically designed to help homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure due to a specific, qualifying financial hardship. It operates by connecting eligible residents with a network of private attorneys who volunteer their time and expertise pro bono (free of charge).
Eligibility and Services
Eligibility is often triggered by a significant life event that has impacted your ability to pay your mortgage, such as:
Volunteer attorneys can provide direct representation in a variety of legal areas crucial to preventing foreclosure, including loan modifications, bankruptcy proceedings, and probate matters.
How to Get Help
The process for getting help is straightforward:
While the attorney's legal services are free, the homeowner may be responsible for minor court fees or litigation costs.
Option 2: Rhode Island Legal Services (RILS) Foreclosure Prevention Project
Rhode Island Legal Services (RILS) is a non-profit organization that provides high-quality legal assistance to low-income Rhode Islanders. Its Foreclosure Prevention Project is a dedicated unit that offers free counseling and legal representation to eligible homeowners and tenants in foreclosed properties.
Legal Services Offered
RILS offers a comprehensive suite of legal services aimed at stopping foreclosure and protecting homeowners' rights. Their attorneys can assist with:
Homeowners can seek assistance by contacting RILS directly. Additionally, a housing counselor at RI Housing may provide a direct referral to RILS if legal intervention is deemed necessary during the counseling process.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) certifies non-profit agencies across the country to provide free or very low-cost housing counseling services. These organizations are trained to offer impartial, expert advice to help homeowners make responsible decisions. Having a consolidated list of Rhode Island agencies can save valuable time for a homeowner in crisis.
The following table provides a directory of all HUD-approved housing counseling agencies in Rhode Island. The "Key Mortgage-Related Services Offered" column helps you identify the agency best equipped to handle your specific needs.
| Agency Name | Address | Phone Number | Key Mortgage-Related Services Offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| RIHousing Help Center | 44 Washington St, Providence, RI 02903 | 401-457-1234 | Mortgage Delinquency and Default Resolution Counseling |
| NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley | 719 Front St Unit 103, Woonsocket, RI 02895 | 401-762-0993 | Mortgage Delinquency and Default Resolution Counseling, Predatory Lending Education Workshops, Non-Delinquency Post Purchase Workshops |
| West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation | 224 Dexter St, Providence, RI 02907 | 401-453-3220 | Mortgage Delinquency and Default Resolution Counseling, Financial Management/Budget Counseling, Home Improvement and Rehabilitation Counseling |
| Providence Housing Authority | 50 Laurel Hill Ave, Providence, RI 02909 | 401-751-6400 | Financial, Budgeting, and Credit Workshops, Non-Delinquency Post Purchase Workshops, Pre-purchase Counseling |
| Pawtucket Central Falls Development Corporation | 204 Broad St, Pawtucket, RI 02860 | 401-726-1173 | Pre-purchase Counseling, Pre-purchase Homebuyer Education Workshops |
Facing the risk of foreclosure is a serious and stressful challenge, but it is one that does not have to be faced alone. Rhode Island has created a clear and structured support system with multiple entry points for assistance. From the expert advocacy of a HUD-approved housing counselor to the legal protections offered by state law and pro bono attorneys, a pathway to a resolution exists.
The single most important factor in achieving a positive outcome is taking proactive steps. The further behind you fall on payments, the fewer options may be available. Engaging early with the free resources outlined here is the first and most powerful step toward regaining control of your financial future. Making the call to RI Housing's Help Center or another HUD-approved counseling agency can set in motion a process designed to keep you in your home.
Relevant Resources
The main program is the Rhode Island Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF-RI), managed by RIHousing. This federally funded initiative provides financial aid to eligible homeowners who have experienced financial hardship, helping them catch up on housing-related payments and prevent mortgage foreclosure.
No. Financial assistance provided through the HAF-RI program is a grant, not a loan. If your application is approved, the funds are paid directly to your mortgage servicer or other relevant provider and do not require repayment, offering direct mortgage relief.
HAF-RI funds can cover a variety of costs beyond the mortgage principal and interest. This includes delinquent property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, condominium or homeowners association (HOA) fees, and other charges necessary to prevent displacement and achieve mortgage reinstatement.
To qualify, you must be a Rhode Island homeowner living in the property as your primary residence. You must have experienced a qualified financial hardship after January 21, 2020, and meet specific household income limits set for the program.
Yes, applying for Rhode Island mortgage relief is still possible even if foreclosure has started. The program is specifically designed for foreclosure prevention. You should contact RIHousing or a HUD-approved housing counselor immediately to understand your options and notify your lender.
The application process is handled online through the official HAF-RI portal on the RIHousing website. You will need to create an account and submit required documentation, such as proof of income, a mortgage statement, and evidence of your financial hardship.
Eligibility for HAF-RI is income-based. Your household income must not exceed 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or 100% of the U.S. median income, whichever is greater. These figures vary by county and household size and are listed on the RI Housing website.
Yes. The HAF-RI program offers assistance for delinquent property taxes even for homeowners who do not have a mortgage. This form of aid helps prevent a municipal tax sale of your property, providing crucial housing stability for senior citizens and others on fixed incomes.
After submitting a complete application with all necessary documents, the review and approval process generally takes 30 to 60 days. Timelines can vary based on application volume and the complexity of your case. Check the online portal for status updates.
The Homeowner Assistance Fund is a program with finite federal funding. As of late 2025, homeowners are strongly urged to visit the official RIHousing website immediately to check for program updates, fund availability, and any final application deadlines as the program may be nearing closure.
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