Applications opened Jan. 3 for the new Virginia Mortgage Relief Program, which is designed to help people stay in their homes and ease problems with mortgage delinquencies, defaults and foreclosures due to the pandemic.

Gov. Ralph Northam announced the launch of the program last Thursday. The Mortgage Relief Program is similar to the Virginia Rent Relief Program, which has received national recognition for its success.

Virginia was one of the first states in the nation to create a statewide rent and mortgage relief program with federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds.

Virginia expects to receive approximately $250 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds through the U.S. Department of Treasury. These funds are intended to support homeowners facing housing instability resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligible homeowners must have experienced a reduction of income or increase in living expenses after Jan. 21, 2020 and must currently own...