The state of Arizona is making an effort to assist low-income homeowners who are having difficulty paying their mortgage.

The Arizona Department of Housing has allocated $197 million in funding to homeowners who meet the minimum threshold. The funding, which comes from the Homeowner Assistance Fund is to be distributed immediately.

“This is direct and immediate aid,” Arizona Department of Housing Director Tom Simplot declared. “If you’re behind on your mortgage payments, we can send funds directly to your home loan servicer to bring you current.”

Simplot would go on to assert that in addition to mortgage payments, the nearly $200 million in aid would go toward helping people pay past utility bills

“We want to make sure families stay in their homes and continue to have a roof over their heads,” added Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey. “As Arizona emerges out of the pandemic and our economy grows, many hardworking individuals who fell on hard times are still trying to find their financial footing. The Arizona Department of Housing’s Homeowner Assistance Fund will help with mortgage payments and take care of other expenses. I’m grateful to the Department and Director Tom Simplot for their unwavering dedication to supporting renters and homeowners, expanding affordable housing, and ensuring safe housing is available for those in need.”