Homeowners Assistance Fund (HAF) Program
Administered by: Puyallup Tribe of Indians Administration Office
Funded by: U.S. Department of the Treasury under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
The new Homeowners Assistance Fund (HAF) Program is a temporary grant available through July 2026 or until funding runs out. The program provides up to $15,000 per household to assist with mortgage payments, property taxes, or essential home repairs needed for safety and habitability.
Eligibility includes:
- Enrolled Puyallup Tribal members
- Must own and occupy the home as a primary residence
- COVID-19-related financial hardship after January 21, 2020
- Must meet income limits and submit a complete application
Applications can be submitted by:
Mail: Puyallup Tribe of Indians – HAF Program, 3002 Duct Cho St, Admin Suite 350, Tacoma, WA 98404
Email: HAF@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov
Phone: 253-382-6221
PLEASE NOTE: Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. All requested documents, based on the selected category, must be included with the application. This includes income documentation for all household members. No exemptions.
Homeowner Assistance Fund FAQ's
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What is the purpose of the HAF Program?
The Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program provides financial relief to eligible Puyallup Tribal homeowners who are experiencing housing-related financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to prevent mortgage delinquencies, foreclosures, and unsafe living conditions.
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What types of assistance are available?
The program offers three types of support: Mortgage Payment Assistance, Property Tax Assistance, and Essential Home Repair Assistance. Only one type of assistance can be requested per household per application cycle.
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Who is eligible to apply?
To qualify, applicants must be enrolled members of the Puyallup Tribe, own and occupy the home as their primary residence, have experienced financial hardship related to COVID-19 after January 21, 2020, have household income at or below 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or 100% of the U.S. median income (whichever is greater), and submit a complete application with all required documents. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
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What expenses are covered?
Mortgage Payment Assistance covers current or past-due mortgage payments to prevent foreclosure and can be used to reinstate mortgages.
Property Tax Assistance pays overdue property taxes to avoid tax foreclosure.
Essential Home Repairs include necessary repairs to maintain safety and habitability, such as plumbing, electrical, structural repairs, weatherization, and mold or pest removal. Home repair requests must include three bids from licensed contractors and W-9 forms. The applicant is responsible for managing contractors; the Tribe is not liable for the quality or completion of any work.
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How are payments made?
All payments are made directly to service providers, including mortgage companies, tax authorities, or contractors. No funds are issued directly to applicants. Vendors receiving more than $10,000 may need to register for ACH payment with the Tribe.
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How do I apply?
Applications can be submitted by mail to Puyallup Tribe of Indians HAF Program, 3002 Duct Cho St, Tacoma, WA 98404, or by email to HAF@Puyalluptribe-nsn.gov.
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What documents are required?
A complete application must include proof of homeownership (deed, mortgage, or title), proof of income (W-2s, 3 months’ worth of pay stubs, tax returns, etc.), valid photo ID or Tribal ID, signed financial hardship and income attestations, and documents specific to the assistance type: mortgage statements for mortgage assistance, property tax bills for tax assistance, or three contractor bids with W-9s for home repairs.
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How long does the review process take?
Applications are reviewed within 14 business days. Applicants are notified of decisions by phone call, mail or email. Only the Head of Household Applicant will receive updates due to confidentiality requirements.
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What qualifies as a COVID-19-related financial hardship?
Examples include job or income loss, increased medical expenses, higher cost of living, caregiving responsibilities, or other pandemic-related financial challenges occurring after January 21, 2020.
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What are the program limits?
The maximum assistance amount is $15,000 per applicant. Only one assistance type may be requested per application cycle. A new application must be submitted for each new request. Funds are limited and subject to availability and federal regulations.
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Is the Tribe responsible for contractors or repair work?
No. The applicant is solely responsible for coordinating with contractors, ensuring quality of work, and managing any contractual issues. The Tribe does not enter into contracts on behalf of applicants and is not liable for delays, damages, or workmanship.
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How is the program advertised?
The program is promoted through bi-monthly social media posts, monthly e-newsletters, and flyers in local newspapers.
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Who do I contact for more information?
Contact the Puyallup Tribe of Indians HAF Program at 3002 Duct Cho St, Tacoma, WA 98404, Administration Suite 350 or email HAF@Puyalluptribe-nsn.gov.
Phone # 253-382-6221