Little Dixie Self-Help Housing Program group worker Rachel Bailey met with Dickson trustees Monday night to discuss how the program might benefit town residents.
The program offers low-income individuals and families a way to buy new homes. Those who qualify get low-interest loans and longer mortgage terms (33 years) to make their monthly payments more affordable.
Bailey said program participants have 11 different house plans to choose from. Participants purchase their own building sites and have a choice of three- and four-bedroom floor plans. All of the brick veneer homes are environmentally friendly.
“Most of the payments are under $500 per month,” she said. “It is really good for single parents with children.”
The program is unique in that participants are directly involved in the construction progress. However, they don’t have to do all the work themselves. Professionals are hired to do the most difficult jobs such as foundation, drywall and electrical work.
Applicants must meet income guidelines and have good credit before they qualify for the program. It typically takes 60 to 90 days to process an application and another six months to a year for a home to be finished.
The Self-Help Housing Program is financed through USDA Rural Development and is administered by the Little Dixie Community Action Agency. The program was previously administered in this area by the Southern Oklahoma Development Association.
Bailey, who previously worked for SODA, administers the program from her office in Ardmore. Residents of Carter, Love and Marshall counties, excluding those who live in the City of Ardmore, are eligible to apply for the program.
Information and housing applications can be obtained at the Little Dixie Self-Help Housing Program, 25 W. Broadway St., Ardmore, or by calling (580) 226-3030.
During the business portion of the meeting, Mayor Robbie White appointed members of the local planning activities committee to review the town’s capital improvement plan. All towns and cities that apply for federal Community Development Block Grant funds are required to have an updated capital improvement plan. Members of the committee are White, Troy Duke, Thurman Householder, Aaron Custer and Debbie Preston.
The board also approved a maintenance contract with Hunter Heat and Air for the town hall/senior citizens building.
Steve Biehn, 221-6546
