Needy D.C. homeowners applied for pandemic aid, but many are still waiting. This is the story of those grappling with financial uncertainty and the barriers they face in securing help.
The Ongoing Struggles of Homeowners
Take Gregory Briscoe, for example. He’s been living a nightmare since the pandemic struck. Calls from Shellpoint Mortgages have become a daily occurrence.
- Twice a day, nearly every day, they ask him to pay the staggering $101,000 mortgage on his Trinidad rowhouse.
- Despite his efforts, including working multiple handyman jobs and living on ramen noodles, Briscoe can’t catch up.
“I don’t have the money. I don’t know what you want me to do,” he tells them repeatedly.
Seeking Help Through the Homeowner Assistance Fund
In October 2022, Briscoe applied for the city’s Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). This program, part of a $10 billion federal initiative from the American Rescue Plan Act, aims to assist homeowners struggling with pandemic-related debts. Eligible applicants can receive up to $120,000 for home-related expenses.
By June 2023, Briscoe received approval for funds, but the money never arrived. His $50,000 delinquency has now doubled, and he’s facing foreclosure.
The City’s Funding Crisis
The city’s $50 million fund for this program is nearly depleted. According to Colleen Green, director of the Department of Housing and Community Development, the overwhelming demand means they can’t guarantee funding for everyone.
- As of now, 1,629 people have been approved for funds, but only 1,463 have received them.
- The average amount granted was $28,000, but many like Briscoe are left waiting.
In an email, the housing department stated it is “very unlikely all individuals who have been waitlisted will receive funding.”
A Damning Record
D.C. consistently ranks poorly in administering the Homeowner Assistance Fund. The statistics are alarming:
- Only 21% of applications have been approved.
- National assistance rates average around 50%.
In a recent analysis, the U.S. Treasury indicated that D.C. had numerous complaints about its HAF program, signalling deeper issues in its management.
Personal Stories of Desperation
Briscoe’s story is not unique. Consider Leroy Drummond, who inherited his mother’s townhouse in 2010. He’s been haunted by a $26,000 tax debt that has grown due to delays in relief.
- Drummond, receiving limited income, has faced letters from Express Homebuyers offering cash for his home.
- With his property valued at $580,000, the thought of selling feels like losing his family’s legacy.
Despite applying for HAF in June 2023, he’s still caught in the lengthy application process.
Administrative Delays and Frustration
Public records reveal that D.C.’s Housing and Community Development department has been slow to act:
- Average approval times were 190 days.
- Disbursement took 103 days.
While the agency claims improvements, some homeowners still face significant delays.
Blame Game
The agency attributes these delays to a new financial processing system and an influx of applications post-moratorium. Yet, many homeowners report waiting far longer than promised.
“Homeowners have accumulated up to a year of interest,” says Deborah Hill, an attorney with Legal Counsel for the Elderly. “They’re at greater risk of losing their homes.”
Calls for Action
Council member Robert C. White Jr. highlighted the city’s history of running out of funds for needy homeowners. The inefficiencies in the administration of the HAF program have led to unnecessary stress for residents.
Advocates are now urging the city council to issue supplementary funds to fulfil the needs of homeowners still waiting. But without support from the mayor’s office, the future looks bleak.
The Bigger Picture: Closing the Homeownership Gap
As D.C. attempts to boost Black homeownership by 20,000 this decade, the current failures in the HAF program are troubling. Between 2018 and 2022, only 34% of Black residents owned homes—a stark contrast to 48% of White residents.
Data shows that 91% of applicants approved for HAF funds are Black, and 73% earn less than 50% of the median income. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
Conclusion: A Call for Change
The plight of needy D.C. homeowners seeking pandemic aid is heartbreaking.
- Many are still waiting, facing overwhelming debt and the looming threat of foreclosure.
- It’s clear that systemic issues need addressing to ensure that support reaches those who need it most.
As we look forward, we must advocate for a more efficient and compassionate approach to housing assistance, ensuring that every homeowner has a chance to keep their home.
