06-21-31 / HAF AUDIENCE | Legal Notice

Posted in Tulsa World, Tulsa County, Oklahoma, June 10-13, 2021
REVISED PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE Oklahoma Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) The Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) is preparing to implement and administer the Oklahoma State allowance of approximately $ 87 million from the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF), established by Section 3206 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. OHFA seeks public input and participation regarding the formulation and implementation of its HAF plan. The proposed terms of the HAF plan are available at www.ohfa.org/haf. The OHFA will be holding a public hearing on Thursday, June 24, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the Holiday Inn & Suites Oklahoma City North, 6200 N. Robinson Ave, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73118. The HAF was created to alleviate financial hardship (loss of employment (reduced income or increased costs due to health care or the need to care for a family member) caused by COVID-19 after January 21, 2020. It provides funds for eligible expenses related to mortgages and housing costs for a primary residence to avoid displacement of owners. OHFA is required to submit a HAF plan to the Treasury for approval. OHFA’s HAF plan must comply with Treasury guidelines on homeowners’ assistance funds, which are subject to change. Under the HAF plan offered by OHFA, homeowners in Oklahoma, including homeowners classified as socially disadvantaged, may be eligible for assistance of up to $ 20,000 for their primary residence, if they have experienced financial hardship related to COVID-19 after January 21, 2020 and meet the income requirements of the program. The Treasury defines socially disadvantaged landlords as those who have been subjected to racial or ethnic or cultural prejudice because of their identity as a member of a group without regard to their individual qualities. This definition includes Black Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders. Members of the public are invited to attend the hearing and give their opinion on the HAF plan proposed by OHFA. Written comments will be accepted until 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 23, 2021, by email to Lee Ann Smith, [email protected]