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1. 1. What type of housing programs do you offer?

Emergency, minor, full rehabilitation and demolition and reconstruction assistance is provided to qualified low-moderate income homeowners who reside in their homes. New construction of homes is provided for qualified residents if the cost of rehabilitating the home is prohibitive. These services are offered as forgivable deferred payment loans to qualified homeowners. Under certain conditions, this means that as long as you reside in your home you will not have to make any payments on the loan and a percentage of the loan will be forgiven each year until the loan is paid in full and forgiven. Please contact the Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Division at 409-983-8259 for more information.

2. 2. How do I qualify for assistance?

• Households must meet income guidelines (see #2)
• Property must be owned by client as listed in the DEED.
• Mortgage and Property Taxes must be current
• Property must be: located in Port Arthur city limits and the primary residence of the homeowner.
• Home owner’s insurance must be an amount sufficient to cover the maximum assistance available.

3. 3. What are the income limits?

Households must be classified low to moderate-income as published annually by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) annually to be eligible for the program.  Income includes gross wages, income from assets, retirement, social security, disability, unemployment and any other resources or benefits received by household members age 18 and older.

4. 4. Do I need to have good credit to get assistance?

Applicants do not need to have good credit to apply. However, if a bankruptcy action affecting the home has been filed, if you are behind on your property taxes, or if it appears you cannot sustain your housing payment, or pay impending taxes or homeowner’s insurance, the funding may be delayed until the payments are brought current or sustainability has been established.

5. 5. Who decides what type of work needs to be done?

A complete evaluation and a scope of work will be completed on the home detailing all needed repairs.  If the costs exceed the limit offered by the Program, the homeowners may decide to give the City written permission to demolish and re-build a home on the same lot.

6. 6. Can I apply for assistance more than once?

Households may not qualify for additional funding under the same strategy even if the original loan has been satisfied.