The Office of Housing and Community Development helps plan
the distribution of funds including Community Development Block Grant Funds
(CDBG); Home Investment Partnership Funds (HOME), American Dream Down Payment
Iniative (ADDI), Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) and Housing and Opportunities
for Persons With Aids (HOPWA).The funds
are to improve housing, facilities, promote economic development for low to
moderate income households as required by HUD.
In addition to helping with housing needs, the funds are
used to promote neighborhood revitalization in older central city areas.This is accomplished through demolishing
substandard housing, building new infrastructure and working with communities
to build new housing for low to moderate income families.
A summary of each federal funding program with objectives
follows:
Community Development Block Grant
Program (CDBG)
The Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) entitlement program allows annual grants to the nation’s larger
cities and urban counties to develop viable communities by providing decent
housing; a suitable living environment and economic opportunities, principally
for low-income and moderate income persons. The annual allocation for the City
of Jackson for
this grant is over two million dollars ($2,000,000.00). HUD requires the city
allocate a little over $300,000 of our annual funding to public service
projects such as crime prevention, recreational development, infrastructure
improvements, employment services; child care; substance abuse services; fair
housing counseling; services for youth, senior citizens and homeless persons.
HOME Investment Partnership Program
HOME funds are for the purpose of providing decent safe,
affordable housing income households.HOME funds may be used to assist existing homeowners repair,
rehabilitation or reconstruction of owner-occupied units.
Home Buyer Assistance Program
The
City of Jackson’s
Homebuyer Assistance Program is designed to help working families realize their
dream of owning a home. The applicant must be a first-time homebuyer or
have not had interest in a property within the past three years. The
program offers $6,000.00 to be used as a down payment, for closing costs or
other eligible costs toward the purchase of a home. The applicant must
earn less than the maximum income limit established for each family size.
The home must be located within the city limits of Jackson. The mortgage loan must be with
an approved lender through the City of Jackson.
The property purchased should be used as a primary residence. The
applicant must attend and complete an approved Homeownership Training
Program.
First-Time Homebuyers are eligible to receive an additional $10,000.00
toward the purchase of a property located within the City of Jackson. Only individuals who qualify
for a mortgage loan of less than $60,000.00 are eligible for this grant. HUD
requires an acceptable credit profile and a need for assistance in making this
housing initiative available to all first time homebuyer families having an
income at or below 80% of Hinds county median income as established. ADDI
funds of $10,000.00 can be used in concert
with HOME funds of $6,000.00 to provide opportunities for homeownership.
Families who qualify for a mortgage loan below $60,000.00 will be offered ADDI
funds to expand a wider range of housing choices and upgrade the level of
housing. ADDI funds can be used to
supplement all other homebuyer assistance.
Housing Opportunities For Persons With Aids (HOPWA)
Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids provides housing
opportunities for persons who have tested positive for HIV/AIDS.The primary objective of this grant is to
provide independent living to persons with HIV/AIDS so that they may have some
stability in their lives.The HOPWA
program provides housing and supportive.
Please call the office for additional information on this grant.
Emergency Shelter Grant Program (ESG)
The Emergency Shelter Grant provides funds to assist in the operation of
local homeless shelters and funds related social services and homeless
prevention programs. HUD awards approximately $100,000.00 in Emergency Shelter
Grant funds to the city annually. These funds may also be used to support
essential services including job training, health care, drug/alcohol treatment,
childcare and homelessness prevention activities. By helping to support
emergency shelters, transitional housing and needed support services, the
Emergency Shelter Grant is designed to move homeless persons from a life on the street toward permanent housing.
For More Information
Contact: Louis E. Armstrong,
Deputy Director Office of Housing and
Community Development 200 S. President Street, Ste. 331 Jackson, MS39201 (601) 960-2155
