JOHN DAY 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.

There are only two cycles left to apply for the Home Rescue Program: April 16 and April 30.

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

To qualify, homeowners must be able to show at least a 10 percent reduction in current income compared to 2012 or 2013. 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.

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 applying can be found on the program page at www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org, or call Votaw at 541-963-3186.

Homeowners without Internet access can visit Community Connection of Grant County at the John Day office located at 142 NE Dayton.