Homeowner's Assistance Fund

The purpose of the HFA Program is to assist eligible SRMT tribal homeowner’s with financial assistance to prevent mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, loss of utilities or home energy services and displacements of homeowners experiencing financial hardship; additionally, to assist with mortgage reinstatement after January 21, 2020.

What type of assistance will be available?

• • Mortgage payment assistance; HUD Home housing payments
  • Financial assistance to allow a homeowner to reinstate a mortgage or to pay other housing costs related to a period of forbearance, delinquency or default
  • Payment Assistance for:
    • Utilities, including: electric, gas, home energy and water
    • Internet service including broadband internet access service
    • Homeowners insurance, flood insurance, and mortgage insurance
  • Payment assistance for delinquent property taxes to prevent homeowner tax foreclosures
  • Measures to prevent homeowner displacement, such as home repairs to maintain the habitability of a home or assistance to enable households to receive clear title to their properties
  • Individual homeowners performance plan including budget and financial literacy skills

Who is Eligible?

The SRMT HAF Program is for eligible homeowners who meet the following conditions:

• Homeowners must be tribal members or have the eligibility to be enrolled members of the SRMT
• Homeowners must reside in the jurisdiction of Akwesasne or within the 15-mile radius
• Homeowners must own and reside in the home for which they are applying
• Homeowners that have received financial hardship after January 21, 2020 due to job loss, reduction in income, or increased costs due to healthcare or the need to care for a family member
• Homeowners have income equal to or less than 100% of the area median income (as defined by HUD)

How long is assistance available?

Eligible homeowners may receive up to 6 months of assistance, recertification is required at 3 months.

What documents will a homeowner be required to show as proof of eligibility?

• • Fully completed HAF Program application
  • SRMT Tribal enrollment card or proof you are eligible for a SRMT Tribal enrollment card
  • Documentation showing homeownership
  • Proof of Annual Household Income Documents
    • A copy of your 2021 IRS form 1040 (first two pages only)
    • Pay stubs, or a letter from your employer showing a decrease in income
    • If homeowner is self-employed, applicant must have a notarized attestation letter outlining type of work performed and income earned in the last 12 months
    • Copies of medical bills, childcare expenses, or other significant costs the household incurred during COVID-19 Pandemic
    • Other documentation demonstrating financial hardship during COVID-19
    • The homeowner may provide a written notarized attestation as to the household income if none of the above is available

Submit the following documentation if applicable:

• • If you are behind in Mortgage payment(s): documents showing arrears and interest/penalties accrued
  • If you are behind in Utility payments (s): copy of your most recent utility bills showing the amount owed, the utility provider and account number.
  • All bills MUST be in the homeowner’s name to be eligible

What is required of me?

• Homeowners are required to attend ONE financial literacy class
• Homeowners are required to meet with Program Manager to track expenses and create a self-sustainability plan

For more information contact: HAF Program at (518)358-2272, ext. 256 or HAF@srmt-nsn.gov

Pre-Screening Questionaire

If you answer YES to ALL the above please schedule an appointment with HAF Program at (518) 358-2272 ext. 2561 or by email at: HAF@srmt-nsn.gov

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HAF Application

Please complete this application and return it to HAF Program: Akwesasne Business Center, Suite 102 or HAF@srmt-nsn.gov (518) 358-2272 ext. 2561

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