The city of Indio on Monday encouraged residents who are struggling to meet their mortgage obligations to consider a state program designed to provide relief payments on behalf of homeowners who have not recovered from financial hardship related to housing blockages. coronavirus public health.

“Bringing the word about this great community program not only benefits the city, (but) we see the trickle down through our entire valley as people have to choose between paying their mortgages or putting food on the table,” the mayor said. Indio, Waymond Fermon. noted. “This program provides…money to keep people in their homes during difficult times.”

The California Mortgage Relief Program, administered by the California Housing Finance Agency, has been available since last year, but only 49 Riverside County homeowners accessed it — and only four of those were from the Coachella Valley, said officials.

It is a grant program, with no obligation to repay. Up to $80,000 in overdue payments can be covered. The funds were made available under the 2021 US Federal Bailout Act.

Qualifying criteria include household income at or below 100% of area median income, inability to make mortgage payments twice since last December 27, and financial hardship from public health shutdowns since on January 21, 2020.

More information is available at www.CAMortgageRelief.org, and applications can be completed after clicking the “Apply Now” button, officials said.

Anyone in need of further assistance is encouraged to call the California Mortgage Relief Program Center at 888-840-2594 or email [email protected]