Mobile County just launched a game-changer for anyone dreaming of owning a house after the storms of 2020.
The new Homeownership Downpayment Assistance Program hands qualified buyers up to $50,000 to help cover that all-important down payment.
Think of it as a friendly nudge toward putting down roots in this corner of Alabama, especially if your home took a hit from Hurricanes Sally or Zeta or you were living here when the wind roared through.
Big Bucks for Big Dreams
The program, backed by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), aims to support about sixty families looking to purchase a single-family home.
You won’t get less than $1,000, and the exact amount depends on what’s needed at closing.
That could mean fresh paint, a new roof, or padding your bankroll so you can focus on moving boxes instead of emptying your savings account.
You Might Qualify
Eligibility checks are straightforward. Household income must be at or below 120% of the area median.
Priority goes to low- and moderate-income residents and renters affected by the storms—but anyone on the path to homeownership can join the queue.
You’ll need a pre-purchase counseling certificate, federal income-limits compliance, and a mortgage approval, plus agreement to live in your new home as your main address for the affordability period.
The only spots off-limits? Properties inside the City of Mobile or Dauphin Island.
Real Stories, Real Savings
Local voices say this program fills a real need. Pamela Murphy points out that young couples building a family will feel the biggest lift. “It gives you something to lean on instead of renting,” she explains. Her daughter, Ashley Mitchell, just closed on a house and dropped over $12,000 on a new roof.
Mitchell adds, “That kind of help would’ve taken a lot of stress off me.” Imagine that relief multiplied across dozens of households in our region.
Mark Your Calendar for Info Sessions
Last week’s kickoff meetings drew crowds of curious homebuyers and housing pros. If you missed out, there’s still time. Mobile County will host six more sessions across the area:
- June 24 (6–8 pm) at Tillman’s Corner Community Center, 5055 Carol Plantation Road, Mobile
- June 26 (6–8 pm) at Mount Vernon Community Center, 19180 Shepard Lake Road East, Mount Vernon
- July 1 (6–8 pm) at Semmes Community Center, 10141 Moffett Road, Semmes
- July 15 (6–8 pm) at Jon Archer Agricultural Center, 1070 Schillinger Road North, Mobile
- July 17 (6–8 pm) at Saraland Civic Center, 716 Mae Street, Saraland
- August 5 (6–8 pm) at Bayou La Batre Community Center, 12745 Padgett Switch Road, Irvington
Swing by with questions, bring your paperwork, and get one step closer to a place you’ll call your own.
From fresh financing to face-to-face guidance, this down-payment initiative offers a bright spark for anyone plotting their next chapter in Mobile County.
If you’ve been scouting neighborhoods or weighing that leap from renter to homeowner, keep an eye on these info sessions and get ready to unlock your front door.
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