A statewide mortgage payment assistance program is winding down, and struggling homeowners in Grant County are encouraged to check it out.

The Home Rescue Program is designed to help Oregon homeowners avoid foreclosure by making their monthly mortgage payments for up to one year.

Homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments may be eligible for up to $20,000 in assistance and up to $10,000 to bring their mortgages current. 

To qualify, homeowners must be able to show at least a 10 percent drop in current income compared to 2011 or 2012. An eligibility questionnaire, a complete list of qualification requirements and application cycle schedule can be found on the Home Rescue Program page at www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org.

The remaining signup periods are Feb. 5 and Feb. 19.

“This program will help local homeowners stay in their homes so they can focus on recovering from the difficult economic times we have been experiencing,” said Debbie Votaw, housing manager of Community Connection of Northeast Oregon Inc. “There are no plans to further extend this program or other assistance funds available at this time, so it is important to apply during one of these remaining cycles.”

More information about how to apply can be found on the program at www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org or call Debbie Votaw at 541-963-3186. Homeowners without Internet access can visit Community Connection of Grant County at 142 N.E. Dayton St. in John Day.