The “Hardest Hit” Fund is a new government program designed to help states that are suffering from the largest drop in home values. Nevada is one of those states and its share of the fund is $103,000,000. The fund is designed to help 5,000 homeowners, according to Lon DeWeese, Nevada Housing Division. Eligible applicants will receive about $20,600. The program will require participating lenders to match any relief provided by the fund. Eligibility requirements are tight and many homes are underwater by $50,000 or more. However, this program will not be able to help everyone. The Nevada Housing Division has an application form online that potential applicants may review, but applications will not be accepted until August 1, 2010.