Program Summary
The HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) is the largest Federal block grant available to state and local governments designed exclusively to create affordable housing for low-income households. HOME provides Formula Grants to state and local governments. Lexington County receives funding from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The HOME Program provides funds for projects that primarily assist low-and moderate-income persons in securing:
- New home construction
- Down payment and closing cost assistance
- Acquisition of property for affordable housing
- Major rehabilitation of owner-occupied homes
- Demolition of dilapidated housing
- Site improvements for HOME assisted projects
Program Overview
The Community Development Department will administer several HOME Program activities. Those activities include:
Homeownership Assistance Program: This program will provide Low-and Moderate -Income (LMI) first time homebuyers with downpayment and/or closing cost assistance. Assistance will be provided in amounts typically not to exceed $5,000 per applicant. Qualifying homebuyers must be employed, provide income documentation and must participate in the County’s Affordable Housing Counseling and Education Program.
Home Rehabilitation Program: This program will assist eligible homeowners with significant repairs typically not to exceed $20,000. Major rehabilitation includes repairs, alterations, improvements, or modifications of existing housing structures. Funding will also be used for inspection/estimate services, lead-based paint testing and clearance, and relocation cost.
Partnerships with Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO): To strengthen the capacity of the County’s non-profit sector, the County’s HOME Program will provide funding to HOME assisted housing activities that are owned, developed, or sponsored by entities designated as Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO). The County will require each CHDO to participate in a certification process that will verify the organizations legal status, organizational structure, capacity, and experience to qualify as a participant in the HOME Program.