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For homeowners seeking the West Virginia mortgage relief program, it is essential to know that the West Virginia Homeowners Rescue Program (WVHR) is now closed to new applications. This program, which operated as the state's Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF), has fully committed all its funds. This federal initiative was a one-time measure to address hardships related to COVID-19.
While this news may be disheartening, it is not the end of the road. Numerous effective mortgage relief and foreclosure prevention alternatives remain available to West Virginia homeowners. The key to securing housing stability has shifted from applying for a grant to proactively engaging with lenders and leveraging state and federal support systems. This resource provides a clear path forward, outlining the immediate steps to take, the specialized help available, and the long-term strategies to protect your home.
The West Virginia Homeowners Rescue Program was a critical lifeline for many. It provided over $31 million to help more than 6,300 homeowners with past-due mortgages, utilities, property taxes, and even critical home repairs.
Administered by the West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF), this program was funded by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Homeowner Assistance Fund. It was established to help homeowners who experienced financial hardship after January 21, 2020. As a temporary emergency measure, its closure marks a return to more traditional, but still highly effective, methods of mortgage assistance.
Status of Existing Applications
For individuals who submitted a complete application before the portal closed, the process is not over. The WVHDF is continuing to process all fully submitted claims to a final decision. Eligible claims will be paid as funding allows.
Homeowners in this situation can track their application's status through the official online portal. For specific questions about a submitted application, you can call (844) 542-0035 or dial 211 for assistance.
With the closure of the state's primary grant-based relief program, the single most important action a homeowner can take is to communicate directly with their mortgage servicer. The servicer is the company that collects your monthly payments, and they are equipped with tools to help borrowers avoid foreclosure.
Why Immediate Communication is Crucial
Delaying this conversation is the most significant mistake a homeowner can make, as options become more limited over time. Lenders and servicers prefer to find a solution rather than proceed with a costly and time-consuming foreclosure. Federal regulations often require them to explore loss mitigation options with struggling borrowers.
By initiating contact, you open the door to these solutions. The servicer can provide a clear picture of what options are available based on your loan type, the extent of your delinquency, and your financial situation. Ignoring communication from your lender will accelerate the foreclosure process, while engaging with them can often pause it while a resolution is sought.
How to Prepare for the Call
A productive conversation with your mortgage servicer requires preparation. Being organized shows you are serious about resolving the issue and helps the servicer quickly identify the best options. Before calling, gather the following:
During and after every conversation, keep detailed notes. Record the date, time, the representative's name, and a summary of what was discussed, including any proposed solutions or required next steps.
Understanding Common Loss Mitigation Solutions
Your servicer will evaluate your situation to determine your eligibility for various "loss mitigation" programs. Understanding them ahead of time will empower you during your conversation.
Reinstatement
This is an option for homeowners who have overcome a temporary financial setback. It allows you to pay the entire past-due amount, including any late fees, by an agreed-upon date to bring the loan current.
Repayment Plan
If you have recovered from a short-term hardship but cannot afford a lump-sum reinstatement, a repayment plan may be an option. This plan allows you to resume your regular monthly payment plus an additional amount each month to gradually catch up on missed payments.
Forbearance
Forbearance provides temporary relief by allowing you to pause or make smaller payments for a limited time (e.g., 6 to 12 months). It is designed to give you breathing room to resolve a temporary financial issue. At the end of the forbearance period, you will need to repay the missed amounts.
Loan Modification
This is a long-term solution for homeowners who can no longer afford their current mortgage payment. A modification permanently changes one or more terms of your original loan, such as the interest rate or term length, to make the monthly payment more affordable.
Homeowners whose mortgage is held directly by the West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF) have access to a dedicated assistance channel. The WVHDF is a direct lender to thousands of West Virginians and has its own internal processes to help its customers.
A Direct Lifeline for WVHDF Customers
If your mortgage statements come from the WVHDF, your first call should be to their Loss Mitigation department at 1-800-933-1272. They have a specific team and application designed to help their borrowers find solutions, which can be more direct than processes at large national banks.
How to Complete the WVHDF Mortgage Assistance Application
WVHDF borrowers can request a review of their financial situation to determine eligibility for mortgage relief options.
The WVHDF will review the information to identify what assistance you may be eligible to receive.
Navigating financial hardship can be intimidating. Fortunately, West Virginia homeowners do not have to do it alone. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sponsors a network of non-profit housing counseling agencies that provide free, expert, and unbiased guidance.
Your Advocate in a Complex Process
A HUD-approved housing counselor acts as your personal financial advocate at no cost. A counselor will:
Organizations like the Home Ownership Center, Inc. have a proven track record in the state, having previously partnered with the WVHDF to provide foreclosure counseling.
Warning: Avoid Foreclosure Rescue Scams
When you are facing financial distress, you become a target for predatory scams. These companies promise to save your home for a large upfront fee but often do nothing, leaving you in a worse position.
Legitimate help is always free. Be wary of any person or company that:
If you are unsure about a company, check the HUD-approved agency list or contact one of the agencies below directly.
Directory of HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies in West Virginia
| Agency Name | Key Areas Served | Phone Number | Website | Key Services Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religious Coalition for Community Renewal (RCCR) | Kanawha, Boone, Fayette, Putnam; Statewide virtual | (304) 346-6398 | rccr.org | Foreclosure Prevention Counseling, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Budgeting |
| Home Ownership Center, Inc. | Calhoun, Doddridge, Harrison, Jackson, Mason, Wood, etc. | (304) 485-3141 | wvcccs.org | Mortgage Delinquency Counseling, Credit Workshops, Budget Counseling |
| CHANGE, Inc. | Brooke, Hancock, Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel | (304) 797-7733 | changeinc.org | Mortgage Delinquency Counseling, Financial & Credit Counseling, Rental Counseling |
| Telamon Corporation | Berkeley, Jefferson, Morgan; Statewide virtual | (304) 263-0916 | telamon.org | Mortgage Delinquency Counseling, Financial Management, Homeless Services |
| The Fairmont-Morgantown Housing Authority | Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Taylor | (304) 363-0860 | fmhousing.com | Mortgage Delinquency Counseling, Rental Housing Counseling, Post-Purchase Workshops |
| Housing Authority of Mingo County | Mingo County | (304) 475-4663 | mingohousing.com | Mortgage Delinquency Counseling, Home Improvement Counseling, Rental Housing |
Facing the possibility of foreclosure is frightening, but understanding the process can reduce anxiety and reveal opportunities to stop it.
How Foreclosure Works in West Virginia
West Virginia law allows for both judicial and non-judicial foreclosures, but the vast majority are non-judicial. This is because most home loans are secured by a Deed of Trust, which contains a "power of sale" clause. This clause pre-authorizes a trustee to sell the property to repay the loan if the borrower defaults.
The non-judicial process is typically very fast. Once formal proceedings begin, a foreclosure can be completed in approximately 60 days if it is uncontested. The process usually starts after several missed payments, when the lender sends a formal "breach letter" giving you a period to cure the default.
Your Rights as a Homeowner
Even within this expedited process, homeowners have significant legal rights and protections:
Where to Find Legal Assistance
While a housing counselor is an excellent resource for financial guidance, some situations may require legal advice. If you believe your servicer has made an error or is violating your rights, consider contacting an attorney.
Beyond direct mortgage assistance, a variety of programs can help reduce a household's overall financial burden, freeing up resources to meet mortgage obligations. The West Virginia Housing Development Fund is a central hub for many of these initiatives.
Other WVHDF Programs
While not direct mortgage relief, other WVHDF initiatives can help homeowners manage significant expenses:
Federal and Specialized Programs
Specific populations may qualify for targeted assistance through federal agencies:
Overcoming a period of financial hardship is a significant achievement. The final step is to build a more resilient financial foundation to prevent future crises. The WVHDF provides several key recommendations for all homeowners.
Building a Stronger Financial Foundation
Adopting proactive financial habits can provide a crucial buffer against unexpected life events.
The primary mortgage assistance initiative is the West Virginia Homeowners Rescue Program (WVHRP). This program utilizes federal funds to provide crucial financial aid to homeowners experiencing hardship, helping them avoid foreclosure and stabilize their housing situation through targeted mortgage and utility relief.
As of late 2025, the West Virginia Mortgage Relief Program is still accepting applications, but funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Homeowners are strongly encouraged to check the official WVHRP website for the most current status and to apply immediately if they need assistance.
The WVHRP can provide funds for more than just your mortgage. Eligible homeowners may receive aid for delinquent mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and even past-due utility bills. This comprehensive support helps address various housing-related financial burdens that could lead to foreclosure.
Yes, income restrictions apply. To qualify for the WVHRP, your household income must be at or below 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI). This ensures the program directs its limited resources to West Virginia homeowners who are most financially vulnerable and in need of assistance.
To qualify for the West Virginia Mortgage Relief Program, you must attest to a financial hardship that occurred after January 21, 2020, such as a job loss, reduced income, or increased healthcare costs. Documentation like pay stubs or medical bills may be required during the application process.
No, the WVHRP does not provide direct cash payments to homeowners. Instead, the program makes payments directly to your mortgage servicer, county tax office, insurance company, or utility provider on your behalf. This ensures the funds are applied correctly to your delinquent accounts.
Yes, you can still apply for the West Virginia Mortgage Relief Program if your loan is in forbearance. Assistance from WVHRP can help bring your mortgage current once your forbearance period ends, preventing a lump-sum payment shock and potential default.
After submission, your application for homeowner assistance enters a review process to verify eligibility and documentation. A case manager will contact you if more information is needed. You can track your application status through the online portal and will receive an official determination notice once a decision is made.
Yes, assistance with delinquent property taxes is a key component of the WVHRP. If you are behind on property tax payments, this program can provide funds directly to your county's tax office to prevent a tax sale of your home, even if your mortgage is current.
The financial assistance provided through the West Virginia Homeowners Rescue Program is structured as a grant, not a loan. For most homeowners, these funds do not need to be repaid, offering a direct lifeline to resolve delinquencies and secure your housing without incurring new debt.
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