GULFPORT, MS - The need for more affordable housing options brought hundreds of people to Gulfport's community development office. They were there Wednesday morning to pick up a Homeline grant application, and potentially become a homeowner. Homeline is a nine million dollar grant that's only available through the city of Gulfport. In the next two years, 165 low and moderate income people will be eligible for down payment assistance to buy homes. That's why so many people stood in line outside Gulfport's community development trailer with the same thought running through their heads.
"I'm going to get me a house," one man yelled. Jennifer Velez was right behind him. "We need a house, and decided this would be the best place to come," she said. Velez and her two children live in Pass Christian. But if Mom qualifies for Gulfport's Homeline grant, and she finds an affordable house to buy in Gulfport, the family's ultimate dream may come true. So she patiently waited in line "just to try and find us a place out here in Gulfport somewhere, and put it toward a house so we can have a family home," she explained, "instead of renting, much better than renting."
The Homeline program will benefit 165 people who meet strict criteria established by HUD, the Mississippi Development Authority and Gulfport. Each approved application will make a family eligible for $50,000 in down payment assistance on its next home purchase.
Karen McCarty heads up the program for the city. "The overall program is long term workforce housing," she said. McCarty expects Homeline to provide the necessary financial boost for those people, because it will be "getting them into homes, and getting them into affordable homes where they can afford the notes and the insurance," she explained.
Wednesday was the first day Gulfport had people sign up for the Homeline program. In three hours, 900 people went through the trailer. Remember, just 165 will qualify for a grant. The initial response told Carey Bundt that all her efforts to bring the Homeline program to Gulfport were definitely worthwhile. "It is so satisfying. It is just a highlight of why you're here," Bundt said. "It's a testimony that good things do happen to good people, and opportunities are out there. And we just need to access everything we can."
Remember, this is a workforce housing grant geared toward people who would normally be told they can't afford a house. Gulfport has two years to use the $9 million grant. So, applications will be processed as soon as they're received.
Basic Guidelines of Gulfport's HomeLine Program:
Maximum Price For A Home Is $180,000.
Maximum Homebuyer Assistance Is $50,000.
Five-year Deed Restriction To Insure Primary Residence.
Obligation Reduces 20% Each Full Year.
Homes Must Be In Gulfport City Limits.
Homes Must Be Built Since 1980.
Source: SunHerald.com