WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Jim Justice released a statement in response to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announcing disaster assistance for residents impacted by the severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that began on February 15, 2025:
“I was just in Welch, West Virginia, to view disaster recovery with the Acting Administrator of FEMA, the Small Business Administration, the county commission, local mayors, and folks effected by the floods. Through the leadership of President Trump, we are really moving forward with a whole of government response that is truly encouraging to see. Simply rebuilding isn’t the goal, building a stronger community is the goal – I’ve always said we need to bring all resources to bear, and if that’s not enough we need to triple the triple. I applaud Secretary Turner and will continue to work with both him and President Trump to make sure West Virginia has the resources needed to rebuild stronger than before,” said Senator Jim Justice
“As West Virginians rebuild their homes, neighborhoods, and businesses following the severe storms, HUD continues to provide financial flexibility and disaster recovery resources. Supporting disaster response is a core and important part of our mission-minded approach to serving communities at HUD,” said Secretary Scott Turner.
BACKGROUND:
- Recently, Senator Justice visited McDowell County where he and Acting FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton met and delivered an update on the recovery effort. Watch his remarks from the event here.
- On February 15, McDowell County experienced the worst flood in its history bringing more than a months’ worth of rain in two days.
- The flooding took the lives of three West Virginians, a two-year-old boy and his two legal guardians.
- On February 18, Senator Justice joined the West Virginia congressional delegation in sending a letter to President Trump requesting a major disaster declaration for the county.
- On February 26, President Trump approved the disaster request, bringing federal support to help with recovery efforts.
- Senator Justice has been a strong proponent of facilitating disaster relief to counties in West Virginia.
As part of the response, HUD has introduced several important measures to support West Virginia residents.
- Foreclosure Moratorium: A 90-day moratorium is issued on foreclosures of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). There is also a 90-day extension granted automatically for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages. The moratorium and extension are effective as of the President’s disaster declaration date.
- Mortgage Insurance and Financing: HUD’s Section 203(h) program provides FHA insurance to disaster victims, enabling 100 percent financing for those who need to rebuild or replace their homes.
- Section 203(k) Loan Program: This program allows homeowners to finance the purchase, refinance, or repair of a home all through a single mortgage.
- Assistance with Housing Providers: HUD will share information with FEMA and the State on housing providers that may have available units in the impacted counties.
- Flexibility for Community Planning and Development Grantees: Recipients of various HUD programs can apply for administrative flexibility.
- Flexibility to Public Housing Agencies: Public Housing Agencies can apply for needed waivers and flexibilities for disaster relief and recovery.
- HUD-Approved Counseling: HUD-approved counseling agencies have counselors available to assist those impacted by natural disastedrs to determine assistance needs and available resources.
- Assistance with Housing Discrimination: HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity is available to assist people who believe they have experienced housing discrimination.