North Dakota

Homeowner Assistance Fund Plan

North Dakota Department of Human Services | North Dakota Housing Finance Agency

Submitted to U.S. Treasury August 20, 2021

Updated December 1, 2021
Page 1 of 20

Table of Contents

North Dakota Homeownership Assistance Fund Plan Methodology ...........................................................2

Homeowner Needs and Engagement...........................................................................................................3

Data-Driven Assessment of Homeowner Needs.......................................................................................3

Mortgage Distress.................................................................................................................................3

NDHFA COVID-19 Pandemic Impacted Borrowers ...............................................................................4

Disadvantaged Homeowners................................................................................................................4

Housing Cost Burden.................................................................................................................................5

Persistent-Poverty Counties .................................................................................................................6

Census Household Pulse Survey Data...................................................................................................6

Contingent Financial Distress....................................................................................................................6

Unemployment Claims..........................................................................................................................6

Property Taxes......................................................................................................................................6

Utilities..................................................................................................................................................7

Public Participation and Community Engagement ...................................................................................7

Program Design.............................................................................................................................................8

Housing Reinstatement Program (HRP)....................................................................................................8

Housing Payment Assistance Program (HPAP) .......................................................................................10

Homeowner Assistance Fund Home Repair Program (HAFHR)..............................................................12

Application Intake...................................................................................................................................14

Income Determination............................................................................................................................14

Categorical Eligibility...........................................................................................................................14

Documentation of Income..................................................................................................................14

Homeowner Self Attestation ..............................................................................................................15

Residence in Persistent Poverty County .............................................................................................15

Payment Processing................................................................................................................................15

Methods for Targeting HAF Funding.......................................................................................................16

Program Operations....................................................................................................................................17

Marketing/Outreach...............................................................................................................................17

Staffing and Systems...............................................................................................................................17

Budget.....................................................................................................................................................18

Performance Goals..................................................................................................................................19
Page 2 of 20

North Dakota Homeownership Assistance Fund Plan Methodology

The North Dakota Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) plan was created by the North Dakota 

Department of Human Services (DHS) in conjunction with North Dakota Housing Finance Agency 

(NDHFA). 

The $50 million received by the state of North Dakota will be used to help homeowners mitigate 

financial hardships associated with the COVID-19 pandemic by providing funds to eligible parties for the 

purpose of preventing homeowner mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, loss of utilities or 

home energy services, and displacements of homeowners experiencing financial hardship after January 

21, 2020, through qualified expenses related to mortgages and housing.

The plan was developed after receiving input from affordable housing partners, financial institutions, 

utility companies, local, state and federal government entities, and organizations that work with the 

state’s vulnerable populations. Census and state data was used to create a data-driven assessment.

This plan outlines the HAF-supported programs that will be offered to targeted populations based on 

income ranges, racial and ethnic demographics, and geographic areas. Goals and benchmarks have been 

defined with the desired outcome of reducing mortgage, property tax and utility delinquencies to 

maintain housing stability.

Timelines are structured around launching the program in September 2021. Staff, contractors and 

partners were engaged throughout plan development and are ready to implement the program upon 

approval from the U.S. Dept. of Treasury. Policies and procedures, which includes reporting and 

monitoring best practices have also been developed to ensure appropriate use and allocation of HAF 

funding. 
Page 3 of 20

Homeowner Needs and Engagement

Data-Driven Assessment of Homeowner Needs

Information was gathered from local, state and federal resources to assess the financial distress 

homeowners are experiencing. 

Mortgage Distress

More than 62 percent of North Dakotans live in a single-family home. Of the 198,482 owner-occupied 

housing units in North Dakota, 54 percent have a mortgage. Prior to the pandemic, an estimated 18,000 

homeowners with a mortgage were housing-cost burdened; the scenario drops to 8,300 for 

homeowners without a mortgage.1

The number of homeowners delinquent or in forbearance fluctuated throughout the pandemic, 

however, the market has now stabilized to pre-pandemic levels, which is approximately 4 percent 

delinquency and 2 percent foreclosure. 

North Dakotans have been resilient through numerous national and global economic disasters, and 

while the state’s overall foreclosure and delinquency numbers are below the national average, the 

hardships many households have endured cannot be minimized. To make their mortgage payments, 

these individuals and families leveraged unemployment checks, drained savings accounts, maxed-out 

credit cards and sold personal belongings. HAF will be a valuable resource to assist the homeowners 

who are behind on mortgage, utility and property tax payments, and it provides a solid foundation to 

raise up the households that have been struggling on their own to make ends meet. 

North Dakota Mortgage Distress Data Samples

Sample Location

Total in Sample 

Experiencing 

Mortgage 

Distress

Delinquent 

in Sample

Forbearance 

in Sample

Average 

Monthly 

Payment

Payment 

Total 12 

Months

North Dakota Housing 

Finance Agency2 663 311 352 $1,246 $5,263,104

Gate City Bank FHA 

Portfolio3 239 137 102 $1,246 $1,525,104

National Mortgage 

Companies with North 

Dakota Borrowers45

1,668 573 1,308 $1,278 $18,774,245

Total 2,570 1,021 1,762 $1,257 $26,578,008

1

Selected Housing Characteristics, 2019 5-Year Estimates, Table DP04

2 North Dakota Housing Finance Agency, largest public servicer portfolio of ND FHA loans, May 31, 2021

3 Gate City Bank, largest private servicer portfolio of ND FHA loans, FHA loan portfolio sample, May 31, 2021

4 National mortgage companies providing information on ND borrowers experiencing mortgage distress.

5 Atlanta Fed calculations using Black Knight’s McDash Flash daily mortgage performance data (available with a 

two-day lag), U.S. Census Bureau 2017 FIPS Codes
Page 4 of 20

NDHFA, a state agency focusing on providing affordable mortgages and down payment and closing cost 

assistance to low- to moderate-income homebuyers, tracked the number of its borrowers impacted by 

the pandemic. As of May 2021, 429 borrowers have contacted the agency and requested that their 

account be flagged.

NDHFA COVID-19 Pandemic Impacted Borrowers6

NDHFA’s home borrower portfolio consists of 5.4 percent minority borrowers. Of the 429 flagged 

borrowers impacted by COVID-19, 9.3 percent or 40 homeowners are minorities, nine are VA loans, and 

three are Section-184 Indian Home Loans. 

Disadvantaged Homeowners78910

North Dakota’s Caucasian population is 86.6 percent with the remaining 13.4 percent of the population 

being American Indian, African American, Asian, and persons identify as two or more races. Minorities 

live primarily in the state’s urban communities including Fargo, Bismarck, Minot, Williston and Dickinson. 

Of the state’s minority population, 31.7 percent report income below the poverty level. 

6 North Dakota Housing Finance Agency, agency loan portfolio – flagged accounts, May 28, 2021. 

7 Race, 2019: ACS 5-Year Estimates, Table B02001

8 Demographic Characteristics for Occupied Housing Unites, 2019 5-Year Estimates, Table S2502

9 Poverty Status in the Past 12 Month, 2019 5-Year Estimates, Table S1701

10 Selected Housing Characteristics, 2019 5-Year Estimates, Table DP04

429 

Borrower accounts 

flagged due to COVID-19

$1,246

Average monthly

mortgage payment

$3,295

Largest monthly

mortgage payment

$322

Lowest monthly

mortgage payment

198,486

Owner-Occupied Units

106,235

Units with a mortgage

5%

Minority 

homeowners

2.7% 

Homeowners

below poverty level

12.3%

Single-mother 

homeowners

below poverty level
Page 5 of 20

North Dakota Homeownership & Minority Data11

Population % Below 

Poverty Level

OwnerOccupiedNDHFA 

Borrowers

NDHFA Borrowers 

Impacted by COVID-19

White 655,136 8.4% 188,336 9,983 389

African 

American 21,985 25.7% 667 250 20

American 

Indian 40,006 32.2% 5,374 132 8

Asian 11,006 18.9% 1,281 86 5

Pacific 

Islander 863 50.1% 18 19 3

Other Race 8,109 15.8% 603 17 3

2 or More 

Races 19,612 17.6% 2,203 61 1

Housing Cost Burden

Housing cost-burden is a reality for homeowners across the state. Of the owners with a mortgage, 16.8 

percent utilize more than 30 percent of their income for housing expenses and the number drops to 9.1 

percent for households without a mortgage. 12

11 Demographic Characteristics for Occupied Housing Units, 2019 5-Year Estimates, Table S2502 

12 Selected Housing Characteristics, 2019 5-Year Estimates, Table DP04
Page 6 of 20

Persistent-Poverty Counties

North Dakota has two counties where 20 percent or more of the population have lived in poverty over 

the past 30 years according to decennial censuses. The average percentage of the poverty population per 

county during this time frame was Benson County 32 percent and Sioux County 41 percent. The 

homeownership rate over the past 20 years has averaged 67 percent in Benson County and 43 percent in 

Sioux County. 

Census Household Pulse Survey Data

Household Pulse Survey Data validates that most North Dakotans are financially and housing stable, 

however, the data also highlights that vulnerable populations prior to the pandemic were the ones that 

have been impacted the most. As of July 5, 2021, 95.7 percent of the respondents claimed to be caught 

up on their mortgage, while 4.3 percent said they were not.13

Foreclosure in next two months?

(Owned with a mortgage or loan including home equity loans. Totals as of July 5, 2021)

7.4% 17.9% 40.1% 34.7%

Extremely likely Very likely Somewhat likely Not at all likely

Confidence in ability to pay mortgage next month?

(Owned with a mortgage or loan including home equity loans. Totals as of July 5, 2021)

3.6% 5.5% 8.2% 80.3% 2.4%

No confidence Slight Confidence Moderate 

Confidence

High Confidence Payment will 

be deferred

Contingent Financial Distress

When faced with hard financial decisions, most homeowners will choose to prioritize their mortgage 

payment over other bills such as utility, cell phone, internet, vehicle payments and property taxes. For

this plan, data was collected for missed utility and property tax payments. 

Unemployment Claims

Prior to the pandemic, North Dakota unemployment rate was 2.2 percent in January of 2020. 

Unemployment peaked at 8.7 percent in April and May 2020 and has dropped to 4.2 percent in April 

2021. During the 12-month time span, more than 112,000 residents filed for unemployment. 14 

Property Taxes

North Dakota has 53 counties, and 23 counties (43 percent) responded to a delinquent property tax 

survey. The participating counties reported 6,907 residential properties had not paid taxes as of Dec. 31, 

2020.15 The counties have not tracked how many delinquencies are due to COVID-19.

13 Census Household Pulse Survey Data Table 1a, July 5, 2021, https://www.census.gov/programssurveys/household-pulse-survey/data.html

14 North Dakota Job Service Labor Market Information, www.ndlmi.com/gsipub/index.asp?docid=687.

15 Property Tax Delinquency Survey, Dec. 31, 2020, 23 respondents.
Page 7 of 20

Utilities

The state’s three largest utility companies provided documentation and nine out of 16 (56 percent) North 

Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperative members responded to a survey to assess missed 

payments. Currently, more than 27,000 residential households were delinquent during the April and May

2021 timeframe.

Residential Properties Utility Payment Delinquencies April/May 202116

31-60 Days 61-90 Days 91-120 Days 120 Days Total

13,674 5,368 2,809 5,713 27,564

Not all of the utility companies have documented which customers were impacted by COVID-19, and 

most utilities do not have information on the household income of their customers. One of the larger 

utility companies reported an average delinquency of $352 for households who receive energy 

assistance; the average amount is slightly lower at $345 for households not receiving any assistance. 

However, the utilities reported delinquencies of almost $6,000 for some customers, which illustrates the 

wide variation in utility-related impacts. 

Public Participation and Community Engagement

Numerous community and statewide housing partners were interviewed and surveyed, and a hybrid 

community engagement session was held on June 22, 2021 to receive comments on the proposed plan 

and programs. Each of the entities provided insight as to the challenges faced by the state’s low- to 

moderate-income homeowners, including the most vulnerable and minority populations. Procedural 

feedback on program implementation and objectives will be incorporated. 

The notice and plan were drafted in English. Nonprofit organizations that interact the most with nonEnglish speaking minorities were present during the engagement session to represent this population’s 

homeownership needs.

It is anticipated future engagement will occur to ensure the programs are successful and to make any 

necessary modifications to ensure homeowners are economically housing stable. 

The entities that participated in the community engagement and plan drafting process agreed to be 

actively involved in reaching out to eligible homeowners. 

16 Residential Utility Payment Delinquencies, Xcel Energy, Montana Dakota Utilities, Otter Tail Power Company, and 

ND Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives members, April-May 2021.
Page 8 of 20

Program Design

Based on information received from the U.S. Dept. of Treasury and the needs identified through the data 

collection process, HAF funding will be prioritized within three programs.

1. Housing Reinstatement Program (HRP)

2. Housing Payment Assistance Program (HPAP)

3. Homeowner Assistance Fund Home Repair Program (HAFHR)

Additional programs may be added depending on the on-going needs of homeowners and the availability 

of funds.

The programs are offered to homeowners with and without a mortgage. References to “mortgages” in 

program design language is intended to include principal, interest, property tax (including special 

assessments) and insurance. Mortgages must have had an original loan balance within the GSE 

conforming loan limit at the time of origination.

The maximum assistance provided for a homeowner(s), for all HAF programs combined, will be $40,000. 

Housing Reinstatement Program (HRP)

The State of North Dakota will provide a mortgage and utility reinstatement program grants for North 

Dakota homeowners affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The program will cover delinquent 

payments, payments to satisfy secondary liens from loss mitigation options, such as, but not limited to, 

an FHA partial claim, and expenses related to past due, disconnection, reconnection and deposits for 

water, sewer, gas, oil, electricity, garbage, delinquent property tax, special assessments, lot rent, and 

homeowner/condo association fees.

All payments will be made directly to the homeowner(s)’ mortgage loan servicer, utility provider, and 

other entities that would process payments for the expenses listed.

HRP Summary Guidelines

1. Program

Overview

• HRP offers grant assistance for partial or full reinstatement of a delinquent first 

mortgage (including a forborne amount), junior liens, or other mortgage related

expenses.

• HRP will also pay past due water, sewer, gas, oil, electricity, and garbage.

• HRP may pay past due property taxes if not escrowed as part of a mortgage.

• Funds may be used to repay arrears that accrued before January 21, 2020.

2. Program

Goal

• To help North Dakota homeowners avoid foreclosure (mortgage or tax) and/or 

utility service cancellation by mitigating financial hardships related to the Covid19 pandemic.

3. Target

Population

• North Dakota homeowners having incomes equal to or less than

150% of the area median income.

o 60% of homeowners must have incomes equal to or less than 100% of the

area median income

o Priority will be given to Socially Disadvantaged Individuals as defined in 13

CRF 124.103.
Page 9 of 20

4. Borrower

Eligibility

Criteria

To be eligible, homeowners must:

• Have experienced a financial hardship (material loss of income or material 

increase in expenses) after January 21, 2020 related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

• Have income equal to or less than 150% area median income.

• Own and occupy the property for which they seek assistance as their primary

residence.

• Submit a hardship affidavit as explanation of a material reduction of household

income or material increase in household expenses.

5. Property

Eligibility

Criteria

Owner occupied, North Dakota properties:

• One-to-four family (two to four unit must have a unit owner occupied with 

tenants in other units)

• Condominiums

• Manufactured homes 

6. Structure

of Assistance

HRP provides one-time lump sum mortgage and utility reinstatement assistance grant 

for eligible homeowners. Loans in forbearance are eligible. Assistance can be used to 

pay, but may not be limited to:

• Principal and interest payments

• Property Taxes

• Homeowner’s Insurance and Flood Insurance

• Homeowner Association fees

• Attorney’s fees

• Tax liens or other liens related to the property

• Special assessments

• Lot rents for manufactured homes

• Delinquent junior liens

• Water, home energy, electricity, and garbage balances

*Note: If it is available to them, applicants will be encouraged to utilize LIHEAP for 

utility assistance before HAF funds will be used for utility assistance.

7. Per 

Household 

Assistance

Up to $40,000 of grant assistance is available. Based on average mortgage payments 

in North Dakota from data provided by mortgage servicers.

8. Duration 

of Assistance

Assistance is available to cover outstanding expenses from January 21, 2020 through 

the date of application, up to 24 months of eligibility.

9. Program 

Time Period

October 1, 2021 until September 30, 2025 or until program funds are exhausted.
Page 10 of 20

Housing Payment Assistance Program (HPAP)

The State of North Dakota will provide mortgage and utility assistance grants to stabilize eligible 

homeowners. The program will cover future mortgage payments as well as utility expenses. Funding 

may also be applied to property tax, special assessments, lot rents, and homeowner and condo 

association fees. 

The maximum assistance provided for a homeowner(s) will be $12,000. All payments will be made 

directly to the homeowner(s)’ mortgage loan servicer, utility provider, and other entities that would 

process payments for the expenses listed.

HPAP Summary Guidelines

1. Program

Overview

The HPAP offers grant assistance to help homeowners who have experienced a

financial hardship (material loss of income or material increase in expenses)

after January 21, 2020 related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

HPAP may be used to pay future mortgage and mortgage-related and utility 

expenses until the maximum household assistance of $12,000 is reached or the

homeowner returns to work. HPAP is available for up to 6 months or until the

dollar amount limit is reached.

2. Program Goal To help North Dakota homeowners avoid foreclosure by mitigating financial

hardships related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

3. Target

Population

North Dakota homeowners having incomes equal to or less than

100% of the area median income. Priority will be given to Socially

Disadvantaged Individuals as defined in 13 CRF 124.103.

4. Borrower

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, homeowners must:

• Experienced a financial hardship after January 21, 2020 related to the

Covid-19 pandemic.

• Have income equal to or less than 100% area median income.

• Own and occupy the property for which they seek assistance as their

primary residence.

• Submit a hardship affidavit as explanation of a material reduction of

household income or material increase in household expenses.

5. Property

Eligibility Criteria

Owner occupied, North Dakota properties that are:

• One-to-four family (renters in non-owner-occupied unit)

• Condominiums

• Manufactured homes 

6. Structure of

Assistance

HPAP assistance may be used to make

ongoing mortgage and mortgage related expensessuch as:

• Monthly mortgage payments – principal and interest

• property tax, flood insurance and homeowners’ insurance (may be 

escrowed in mortgage payment)

• Condo or homeowner association fees

• Lot rents for manufactured homes

• Water, sewer, gas, oil, electricity, and internet
Page 11 of 20

6. Structure of

Assistance 

Continued

Utility payments, including home energy, electricity, water, and garbage.

*Note: If it is available to them, applicants will be encouraged to utilize LIHEAP 

for utility assistance before HAF funds will be used for utility assistance. 

Funds are paid directly to the existing mortgage servicer, tax authority, lien

holder, applicable utility company(s) or other debtors.

7. Per Household 

Assistance

Total assistance cannot exceed the lessor of $12,000 or six months of 

assistance. Assistance can be combined with HRP subject to the limits of each 

individual program. 

8. Program 

Inception/Duration

October 1, 2021 until September 30, 2025 or until program funds are 

exhausted.
Page 12 of 20

Homeowner Assistance Fund Home Repair Program (HAFHR)

Grants will be available to eligible homeowners with home repair needs that affect the ongoing 

habitability of their home. Eligible repairs would include housing rehabilitation of core residential 

systems, including roofing, soffit/fascia/gutters, drainage and runoff management, electrical and 

plumbing systems, and foundations. Funds can also be used to make environmental modifications and 

improvements to accessibility in the home as these factors are critical to maintenance of habitable, 

stable housing. Other requests would be considered and approved based on the applicant’s unique 

situation. 

Home Repair projects will be funded up to $30,000 per applicant. The total amount of Homeowner 

Assistance Fund for each household for all requests (i.e., home repair and mortgage/utility/housing cost 

assistance), shall not exceed the established program cap of $40,000 per household. 

The scope of the home repair work will be determined by a qualified housing rehab specialist and 

approved by HAF staff. Funds may be used in conjunction with other home repair / home modification 

programs to help assure a comprehensive scope of work to address habitability needs. Work will be 

completed as per state and local building codes. Payments will be made directly to contractors.

HAFHR Summary Guidelines

1. Program Overview The HAFHR offers grant assistance to help homeowners who have

experienced a financial hardship (material loss of income or material increase 

in expenses) after January 21, 2020 related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

HAFHR will offer grant assistance to eligible homeowners with home repair 

needs that affect the ongoing habitability of their home. HAFHR will provide 

up to $30,000.

2. Program Goal To help North Dakota homeowners avoid foreclosure by mitigating financial

hardships related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

3. Target Population North Dakota homeowners having incomes equal to or less than

80% of the area median income. Priority will be given to Socially

Disadvantaged Individuals as defined in 13 CRF 124.103.

4. Borrower

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, homeowners must:

• Have experienced a financial hardship after January 21, 2020 related to

the Covid-19 pandemic.

• Have income equal to or less than 80% area median income.

• Own and occupy the property for which they seek assistance as their

primary residence.

• Submit a hardship affidavit as explanation of a material reduction of

household income or material increase in household expenses.
Page 13 of 20

5. Property Eligibility

Criteria

Owner occupied, North Dakota properties that are:

• One-to-four family (renters in non-owner-occupied unit)

• Condominiums

• Manufactured homes 

6. Structure of

Assistance 

Continued

HAFHR assistance may be used to make eligible repairs for core residential 

systems that include:

• Roofing, soffit/fascia/gutters, drainage, and runoff management

• Electrical and plumbing systems and foundations

• Environmental modifications and improvements to enable accessibility. 

Other requests considered and approved based on applicant’s unique 

situation.

• Scope of work will be determined by a qualified housing rehabilitation 

specialist and approved by HAF staff

• HAFHR may be used in conjunction with other home repair/modification 

programs

• Work will be completed in accordance with local and state building codes

7. Per Household 

Assistance

• Projects will be funded up to $30,000 per applicant. The total 

Homeowner Assistance Fund for each household shall not exceed the 

established program cap of $40,000 per household

8. Program 

Inception/Duration

October 1, 2021 until September 30, 2025 or until program funds are 

exhausted.
Page 14 of 20

Application Intake 

The application and approval process for homeowners and entities that qualify to receive HAF funding 

will be developed in a manner to avoid barriers and expedite payments as quickly and efficiently as 

possible. 

Homeowners may apply at any time through the following methods:

• Online portal

• Telephone

• Paper application received by mail, fax, email or in person

Housing Application Counselors will be contracted to assist homeowners throughout the application 

process. The counselors will be located throughout the state in urban and rural communities. 

Income Determination

Household income can be established using the following methods:

1. Categorical eligibility

2. Documentation of income

3. Homeowner self-attestation

4. Residence in Persistent Poverty County

Categorical Eligibility

Categorical eligibility can be used as a proxy for income eligibility for HAF, provided that a letter or other 

documentation from the other government agency that verifies the applicant’s household income is 

made available. The determination from that program has to have been made on or after January 1, 

2020. Programs to be considered for categorical eligibility include:

• TANF

• SNAP

• LIHEAP

• SSI (not SSA retirement or disability income)

• WIC

• Head start

• Child Care Assistance

• Medicaid

• Housing Choice Voucher

• VASH housing voucher

• USDA 515 rental subsidy

• HUD 202 rental subsidy

• HUD 811 rental subsidy

Documentation of Income

Household Income that is used to determine eligibility is defined according to HUD income 

inclusion and exclusion requirements at 24 CFR 5.609(b) and (c) and will be verified in accordance with 

Treasury Department guidance. 
Page 15 of 20

Homeowner Self Attestation

In circumstances where income documentation is not available through either categorical 

determination, through an approved annual income methodology, or through residence in a persistent 

poverty county, a homeowner is permitted to self-attest to the level of their household income. 

Homeowner will be asked to utilize the attestation documents made available by the program and can 

be accepted from the household member or from a caseworker with knowledge of the circumstances of 

the household.

Residence in Persistent Poverty County

Any homeowner whose primary residence is located in one of North Dakota’s designated Persistent 

Poverty Counties (Sioux and Benson), will be deemed income eligible by proxy. Program eligibility staff 

will gather documentation of residence as necessary.

Payment Processing

Applicants will be required to establish an account with the HAF program. Likewise, entities who will be 

receiving payment (ex. mortgage servicers, utility companies) must be registered as a vendor with the 

state of North Dakota and have an account with the HAF program.

• Payments will be issued directly to the designated entity.

• Batch payments will be issued every week as electronic payment.
Page 16 of 20

Methods for Targeting HAF Funding

North Dakota is confident that it will be able to successfully target and serve homeowners with incomes

equal to or less than 100 percent of the area median income and socially disadvantaged individuals. 

Internally, DHS staff will collaborate with community-based organizations with strong community ties, 

NDHFA, local financial institutions, national loan servicers, and utility companiesto analyze data that will 

provide insight to these target markets.

NDHFA services approximately 13,000 residential mortgages and is the largest servicer of FHA and Rural 

Development Guaranteed Loans in North Dakota. North Dakota’s largest private mortgage loan servicer is the 

second largest servicer of FHA loans, the 10th largest Rural Development servicer, the 9th largest VA loan servicer, 

and is the largest lender in NDHFA’s programs. Both of these entities have been communicating directly with 

distressed homeowners, which will expedite awareness of the HAF program.

The two statewide banking associations and the state credit union association will be used to connect 

with any distressed homeowners who are not receiving national mortgage loss mitigation options due to 

their private mortgage status. These associations can contact their member institutions to determine 

any assistance that is needed on their private loans. 

DHS will also analyze and evaluate the state’s outreach efforts related to emergency rental assistance, 

and build on those communication efforts which have been effective with socially disadvantaged 

populations.
Page 17 of 20

Program Operations 

Marketing/Outreach

North Dakota will undertake both print and digital media campaigns to target distressed homeowners. 

Realizing this may not be sufficient in targeting hard to reach markets, DHS will work with local

community leaders, social service agencies, NDAARP, community-based Native American organizations, 

community-based immigrant-oriented organizations, North Dakota Habitat for Humanity affiliates, 

statewide banking/credit union associations, local government entities, and Community Action Agencies 

to target North Dakotans in need of HAF relief.

North Dakota is small in terms of population and large in land mass. These factors will require the state

to be creative in getting the word out not only through the traditional community partners described 

previously but also others. The team plans to work with real estate-related industry groups, lending

partners, Chambers of Commerce, municipal officials, and employersin the state to market HAF and 

build awareness of qualifying applicants and expenses.

Several local partner agencies will be trained and equipped to assist applicants with the HAF submission

process. Applicants are more likely to have candid conversations with these community partners as they 

are viewed as trusted advisors in their respective footprints. We believe improving access to the program

will assist in spreading the message that the required steps to apply for and secure the grant are not

daunting endeavors.

Additional applicant outreach will include emails, telephone calls, social media posts and clear and 

concise program information on the DHS website.

Staffing and Systems

North Dakota is procuring a technology platform that will serve as the front-door for applicants, for 

mortgage servicers and utility providers, and for application counselors and housing facilitators who will 

deliver application and related housing stabilization supports.

The State is contracting with organizations who form a network of application counselors and housing 

counselors across the state to deliver community-based housing stabilization supports to individuals and 

families. This will include assistance with the initial application, providing required documentation, and 

follow-up throughout the course of receipt of assistance. Homeowners will have access to HUDapproved housing counselors and legal services who can provide supports to help homeowners work 

toward long term financial stability.

The State will ensure that its technology platform can conform with requirements of the Common Data 

File, to facilitate safe, secure transfer of borrower data. 
Page 18 of 20

Budget

The following budget describes the proposed utilization of the state’s $50,000,000 allocation of 

Homeowner Assistance Funds. The anticipated timeline is through September 2025.

The State’s expectation is that the majority of funds will be used to help bring homeowners to current 

status through the Housing Reinstatement Program, which includes mortgage and other related housing 

costs.

Direct Assistance

Housing Reinstatement Program (HRP) $19,375,000

Mortgage Reinstatement $19,000,000

Payment assistance for Homeowner Insurance $50,000

Payment assistance for Homeowner Utilities $200,000

Payment Assistance for Delinquent Property Taxes $75,000

Payment assistance for HOA fees or liens $50,000

Housing Payment Assistance Program (HPAP) $10,625,000

Mortgage Payment Assistance $10,450,000

Payment assistance for Homeowner Insurance $50,000

Payment assistance for Homeowner Utilities $100,000

Payment Assistance for Delinquent Property Taxes $25,000

Housing Counseling and Legal Assistance $2,500,000

HAF Home Repair (HAFHR) $10,000,000

SUBTOTAL Direct Assistance (85%) $42,500,000

Administration / Program Delivery

Program Admin / Eligibility Review / Payment processing $2,397,232

Application Counselors $2,000,000

Data collection / Evaluation $350,000

Technology platform(s) / Data Collection $2,752,768

SUBTOTAL Admin/Program Delivery (15%) $7,500,000

TOTAL $50,000,000
Page 19 of 20

Performance Goals

Ensuring that homeowners who are experiencing hardship due to the coronavirus regain financial and 

housing stability is vital to the success of the state’s HAF program. Below are preliminary benchmarks to 

measure performance goals. As additional guidance is received from the U.S. Dept. of Treasury, 

performance goals will be updated.

MEASURE TARGET

Number of homeowners 

assisted

Up to 4,100 over the life of the program

Assist up to 3,500 homeowners with mortgage 

reinstatement over 24 months

Assist up to 500 households with mortgage payment 

assistance over 24 months

Assist up to 1,000 households in 24 months to pay off 

delinquent utility bills

Assist up to 50 households in 24 months to pay 

homeowner association fees

Assist up to 50 households in 24 months to prevent loss 

of housing due to delinquent property taxes

Average processing time 30 days

Effectiveness of serving 

SDIs

100 percent of known affected homeowners who are 

determined eligible for the program

Effectiveness at serving 

income levels

100 percent of known affected homeowners who are 

determined eligible for the program

Stabilize sociallydisadvantaged populations100% of known affected homeowners who are 

determined eligible for the program

Home Habitability and 

Accessibility

Assist 200 homeowners in 24 months with home repairs 

that improve habitability and preserve stable 

housing/homeownership