Homebuyer Assistance, Special Services grant funds available

By Beverly Bryant/News Director

City Manager Craig Stephenson said Monday that grant funding is available for Homebuyer Assistance and Special Services/Interim Assistance through the City of Ponca City’s CDBG Small City Program.

In remarks at Monday night’s City Commission meeting, Stephenson said the Homebuyer Assistance Program recognizes that most renters could afford to make monthly house payments, but the largest obstacle is saving money for a down payment and closing costs.

The Homebuyer Assistance Program is designed to decrease the barriers preventing low- and moderate-income individuals and families from owning homes. This program will provide applicants with assistance for a down payment and closing costs up to $3,500 on a first come, first served basis, as long as funding is available.

To be eligible to receive funding, the applicant must meet the homebuyer assistance conditions.

The Special Services/Interim Assistance program is to provide assistance to low- to moderate-income homeowners in Ponca City where immediate action is necessary in order to arrest the physical deterioration of residential properties until something permanent can be undertaken, Stephenson said.

Additionally, Special Services/Interim Assistance will be available to low- to moderate-income residents to eliminate conditions which threaten their health and safety on a first come, first served basis as long as funding is available.

Each applicant for special services/interim assistance must submit an application for financial assistance and meet the income guidelines as set forth by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for Kay County, Oklahoma.

For more information, contact the Grant Administrator’s Office, which is located at City Hall 516 East Grand Avenue, or call (580) 763-8094.