Mesa homeowners struggling to pay their mortgages may find relief through a foreclosure prevention program. Certain residents who’ve been financially hurt by the pandemic can apply.

Unlike Phoenix, Mesa requires applicants to be legally living in the city and provide Social Security numbers. Documentation needed includes:

• Income and asset information for all household members
• Applicant’s photo ID, Social Security card and birth certificate
• Late payment notice
• Two years of taxes 
• Documentation demonstrating the applicant has been affected by the pandemic.

Household income must fall below 80% of the area median. For a family of four, that’s $63,200 annually. Applicants must show lost income due to COVID-19 and past due mortgage payments. Financial assistance is capped at six months worth of payments. 

Mesa has already used close to $600,000 in federal funds through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant and plans to earmark another $600,000.

Online applications are available in English and Spanish. The city said paper applications are available as a reasonable accommodation due to a disability by calling 480-644-5440 or emailing [email protected].