OKC Resources for Those Affected by the Pandemic

I’m seeing business owners closing their businesses, and employees are now out of work. 40% of Americans have less than $400 in their savings accounts. With majority of Americans living paycheck-to-paycheck or surviving on tips in the service industry, this is enough to put them in survival mode. Without work, they can’t afford food, water, and shelter. Not to mention, the Oil field has laid off a lot of employees. Our economy is more diversified now than it ever was, but this still largely effects our population. Check out these resources that I have put together to help you.

Potential Mortgage Loan Defaults

Not everyone can work from home, and borrowers who find that they can’t make monthly mortgage payments due to the coronavirus, have options to postpone payments, according to a statement released by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). FHFA Director Mark Calabria reminded mortgage servicers this week that they have forbearance options to offer homeowners as the virus continues its spread through the U.S. “To meet the needs of borrowers who may be impacted by the coronavirus, last week Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac reminded mortgage servicers that hardship forbearance is an option for borrowers who are unable to make their monthly mortgage payment,” Calabria said in a statement. “For borrowers that may be experiencing a hardship, I encourage you to reach out to your servicer.”

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) also announced that mortgage payment assistance is available to those impacted by the virus. “As with any other event that negatively impacts a borrower’s ability to pay their monthly mortgage payment, FHA’s suite of loss mitigation options provides solutions that mortgagees should offer to distressed borrowers – including those that could be impacted by the coronavirus – to help prevent them from going into foreclosure,” FHA said in a statement.

Forbearance options are available not only to those sick from the virus but also owners who may be facing a temporary hardship from it, such as a borrower who is quarantined and unable to work. A loan forbearance allows for your loan principal payments to be postponed or reduced. Your interest will still accrue. Mortgage Lenders are not in the business of owning homes and should work with you during this time instead of against you. There is a reason why you pay a monthly mortgage insurance premium each month to cover crisis’ like this.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brendarichardson/2020/03/13/mortgage-relief-options-are-available-to-homeowners-affected-by-coronavirus-safety-measures/#44d7638f53ab

Housing Counseling

If forbearance is not an option, please check in to Housing Counseling. Services are available here locally, through non-profits like Neighborhood Housing Services.

https://apps.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm?webListAction=search&searchstate=OK

Unemployment

Unemployment insurance pays benefits to works who have lost their job through no fault of their own. You can file a claim here: https://www.ok.gov/oesc/Claimants/

Small Businesses/Employers

Small businesses have access to federal loans to help them. https://www.sba.gov/page/guidance-businesses-employers-plan-respond-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

https://coronavirus.health.ok.gov/sites/g/files/gmc786/f/20082oc_-_coronavirus_guidance_for_businesses-employers-final.pdf

Utilities

There is no confirmation if late payments will be waived at this time. There is no confirmation if late payments will be waived at this time.

Cities who have Suspended Utility Shut-offs:

OKC
Warr Acres
Bethany
Edmond

Food

I've included a quick list of food pantries available to help. For more, visit https://www.foodpantries.org/ci/ok-oklahoma_city

Churches
Look to churches to fulfill your food needs during this time. Once the pandemic blows over, remember the churches that helped you and try to reciprocate their kindness so that they can continue to help others.
City Rescue Mission
Salvation Army
https://salvationarmyokcac.org/social-services/food-assistance/
Regional Food Bank
Call to verify the pantry requirements and that they service the zip code in which you live.
https://www.regionalfoodbank.org/get-help#Pantry
Spring Break Kid Cafe’s
https://www.regionalfoodbank.org/get-help/spring-break-kids-cafes
Melrose Recreation Center