New Jersey to Launch Homeowners Assistance Program
The thought of losing one’s home through foreclosure can be daunting. But help is on the way for New Jersey homeowners struggling to pay their mortgage or property taxes due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Mercer County Clerk’s Office has shared that Governor Murphy has announced that beginning February 8, more than $325 million of federal funding will be used to provide financial assistance and counseling for homeowners financially impacted by COVID-19. The Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance Program (ERMA) will assist eligible homeowners with up to $35,000 in aid. The funds for the program have been allocated by Congress from the Homeowner Assistance Program within the federal stimulus American Rescue Plan.
“Thousands of hardworking families in New Jersey have faced unprecedented burdens over the last two years due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello. “This program will provide much needed assistance for individuals who have suffered hardships over the past few years to stay on their feet and in their homes.”
To be eligible for financial assistance, families must have suffered a COVID-19 related financial hardship occurring after January 20, 2020, such as increased expenses due to child care or funeral expenses, or lost income such as having lost a job. To be eligible, a family must earn less than 150 percent of their respective county’s median income. To see if you qualify, visit FY 2021 Homeowner Assistance Fund Income Limits. ERMA will also provide free housing counseling services to help homeowners apply for this program. Counselors will guide them through all available options, and even work with their loan servicers to achieve the best outcome possible for their family. These counselors will also ensure that the process is accessible to those without access to the internet or those having difficulties navigating the process. For assistance applying for the program, call 855-647-7700 or email HAFServicing@njhmfa.gov. For a list of free housing counselors who can help with your application, visit tinyurl.com/HAFcounselor.
Applications for assistance can be submitted at njerma.com beginning Tuesday, February 8, at 9 a.m.
The Mercer County Clerk’s Office files and records all documents concerning real estate ownership, mortgages and transfers within the county. The Clerk’s Office sends out proactive letters to distressed homeowners when a Lis Pendens is filed. A Lis Pendens is the first step in the foreclosure process. Those in financial distress are urged to reach out to local community service groups such as Consumer Credit Counseling of Central NJ at 609-586-2574, or the national hotline for Foreclosure Help at 1-888-995-4673. For more assistance, please call the Mercer County Clerk’s office at 609-989-6465, or visit the County Clerk online at www.mercercounty.org/government/county-clerk.
Continuing Art
While the article on page 9 of this issue informs readers of one art exhibit that is closing — “Traces of Time” at the Arts Council of Princeton — and one that is opening —“Native America: In Translation” at Princeton University’s Art on Hulfish Gallery — yet another area exhibit is remaining on view for longer than anticipated.
The Klip Collective’s “Night Forms: dreamloop,” originally scheduled to end its run of nighttime viewing at Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton later this month, has been extended through April 3.
Night Forms is on view Thursdays through Sundays from 5 to 11 p.m. through February 27; from 6 to 11 p.m. from March 3 to 12; and from 7 to 11 p.m. from March 13 to April 3.
Visit www.groundsforsculpture.org for tickets.
