The Office of Housing and Community Development

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.

• Down Payment Assistance Application
  

American Dream Down Payment Initiative (ADDI)

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, MS 39201
(601) 960-2155