HUD Secretary visits flood damage in Hunt

Scott Turner, the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, toured Hunt on Monday to survey flood damage and talk to Kerr County residents about what they need.  Turner visited the area with President Donald Trump a few weeks ago, as well.  Among the places Turner visited on Monday was The Hunt Store – a century-old staple in the community that was destroyed in the floods.

Upon seeing the damage, Turner said it was “devastating,” and “heartbreaking to actually see the devastation that took place here.”  Turner said HUD plans to be in the community for as long as rebuilding will take.

On July 8, HUD announced assistance for those affected by the Hill Country floods, including:

~A 90-day foreclosure moratorium on Federal Housing Administration-insured single-family mortgages in Kerr County.

~Section 203(h) loans, which provides 100% financing for eligible homeowners in Kerr County to rebuild their home or purchase a new one.

~Section 203(k) loans, which allows borrowers seeking to purchase/repair a damaged home to finance the purchase or refinance of a house, as well as repair or renovation costs.

~Hotline assistance from HUD’s National Disaster Recovery Division, FHA Resource Center and HUD-approved counseling agencies.

~Vacancy lists provided by HUD to FEMA and the state of Texas with available housing units for displaced residents.

Turner encouraged homeowners affected by the floods to call 1-800-CALL-FHA.  Counselors are standing by to help homeowners understand their options when it comes to mortgage pauses and home loans going forward.

There are 900 homeowners in the Hunt area who have been impacted by flooding and have FHA loans, according to Turner.