Program could help purchase homes in Moore

MOORE — People who have low to moderate incomes and no recent history of violent crime or drug manufacturing might get help buying or building a house in a Moore neighborhood affected by the May 20, 2013 tornado.

The $1 million, federally funded Down Payment Assistance Program was officially announced Wednesday, but people had already heard about it through social media. Jared Jakubowski, the city’s grants manager, said two applicants are in the process of applying for the federal aid, and five more “came in this morning.”

Potential buyers who make between 50 percent and 80 percent of the area’s median income can apply for up to $40,000 to help with closing costs or a down payment on a qualifying home. The price of the house could not exceed $138,000 for an existing home or $180,000 for a new house. The house must have a storm shelter and must be the buyer’s primary residence. An existing home must meet city building codes.

The federal disaster relief money will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. People who were displaced or impacted by the 2013 tornado will receive priority.

The program is managed through Neighborhood Housing Services of Oklahoma, a nonprofit that helps people find affordable housing.

"We want potential residents to know that Moore

is not just the suburb that was hit by a tornado,” City Manager Brooks Mitchell said.

“Moore is a city with a strong sense of community, an exceptional school district, a great quality of life and a growing economy. And we hope this program will encourage more people to call Moore their home."

Mitchell said the program "not only helps potential homebuyers invest in their future, but also invests back into the community. There’s nothing like the feeling of owning your own home, and we

hope this program will give Oklahomans that opportunity, even if they once thought that dream was out of reach.”

Three areas heavily affected by the 2013 tornado were Plaza Towers, Kings Manor and Hunter’s Glen.

“These neighborhoods are thriving areas of the city with plenty of newly constructed, affordable housing,” Mitchell said. He said qualified homebuyers will not have to pay back the down payment or closing costs.

Elizabeth Weitman,

Moore’s director of community development, estimates Moore’s population at 61,420. In February, she said there were about 200 vacant lots from the 2013 tornado. City officials now say that has dropped to about 100 vacant lots.

Applicants must have the ability to get a first mortgage through a bank or mortgage company, and must attend a certified Homebuyer Education Workshop before closing on the property.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents but do not have to be current

Moore residents.

Four workshops for applicants will be held in August at Moore’s Central Park Station, 700 S Broadway, at 6 p.m. Tuesday and Aug. 8, Aug. 22 and Aug. 29.

The maximum qualifying income is $37,700 for one person; $43,100 for a twoperson family; $48,500 for a three-person family; $53,850 for a four-person family; $58,200 for a fiveperson family and $62,500 for a six-person family.

Jakubowski said a household would be ineligible if any member has a felony conviction for a violent crime or a conviction for the manufacture of a controlled substance containing opiates, cocaine, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine or their derivatives within the last 15 years.

The city’s list of violent crimes includes assault and battery with a dangerous or deadly weapon; first- and second-degree murder and manslaughter; various forms of robbery and burglary; kidnapping; shooting crimes; child abuse; rape; child pornography; and aggravated drug trafficking.