As more than 1 million homeowners exit forbearance over the coming months, states are solidifying plans to disperse close to $10 billion from the federal Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). The fund is designed to prevent foreclosures, losses of utilities, and other hardships that have emerged during the pandemic. Taking cues from the distribution of emergency rental assistance, as well as the Hardest Hit Fund from the Great Recession, states can deploy these funds most strategically by identifying borrowers at greatest risk of default, as well as by supporting homeowning households of color before time runs out.

Join the Urban Institute for a virtual event exploring the data and geography of distressed borrowers, along with a new tool to help policymakers and agency staff allocate funds. Hear from policymakers, housing industry experts, and state representatives as we discuss challenges, roadblocks, and solutions to deploying these funds.

Speakers

Welcome and Presentations

• Michael Neal, Senior Research Associate, Housing Finance Policy Center, Urban Institute
• Daniel Pang, Research Assistant, Housing Finance Policy Center, Urban Institute
• John Walsh, Research Analyst, Housing Finance Policy Center, Urban Institute

Panel Discussion

• Meg Burns, Executive Vice President, Housing Policy Council
• Will Corbett, Senior Advisor, Emergency Housing Programs, U.S. Department of the Treasury
• Lisa Sitkin, Senior Staff Attorney, National Housing Law Project
• Shawn S. Smith, Executive Director, Ohio Housing Finance Agency
• Tony Walters, Executive Director, National American Indian Housing Council
• Stockton Williams, Executive Director, National Council of State Housing Agencies
• Jerusalem Demsas, Policy Reporter, Vox (moderator)

Event Materials

• Speaker biographies
• Presentation slides
• Using State Data to Target Homeowner Assistance Fund Dollars Where Owners Are at Risk of Foreclosure

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. Please email [email protected] if you require any accommodations or have any questions about this event.