About 16,000 Florida seek mortgage help from Hardest Hit Fund

Nearly 16,000 Floridians have applied for mortgage help from the federal government's Hardest Hit Fund to prevent foreclosures. Since the $1 billion fund expanded statewide in late April, 554 homeowners have been approved and are awaiting payments, and 50 others have already received money. Nearly $1 million has been allocated so far. About 1,500 Tampa Bay homeowners applied for assistance as of June 3. The fund is designed for unemployed or underemployed homeowners. One option provides six months of mortgage assistance, up to $12,000. A second option provides up to $6,000 to bring a delinquent mortgage current if the homeowner has returned to work or is recovering from underemployment. Applications can be submitted at www.FLHardestHitHelp.org.