JHAP program winding down final call issued for homebuyers

(From the City of Joplin)

With 450 home closings to its credit, along with $13.6 million of homebuyers’ assistance, the Homebuyers Assistance Program (J-HAP) program is starting to wind down its operations. Patty Heagel, a project coordinator for the program, presented statistical and financial information to the Joplin City Council, noting the success of this unique program, and a final call for citizens to apply before funding is depleted.

“J-HAP was developed with the goal of repopulating and developing the tornado-affected area,” said Heagel. “By providing financial assistance to qualifying citizens, we’ve helped 450 homebuyers and their families, and now have another 138 buyers approved for the program. And we’re not finished with our funding yet, but we are getting close.”

According to Heagel, the fund balance is estimated at $1.55 million following the 450 closings and the approved 138 buyers. These funds should allow enough assistance for an estimated 50 more homebuyers. Starting Tuesday, February 16, J-HAP will accept and process 50 more J-HAP completed applications. Application packets can be obtained by emailing JHAP@joplinmo.org or by coming to the J-HAP office at 602 South Main. Their offices are located on the first floor and are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Offices will be closed on Monday, February 15, 2016 for President’s Day holiday.

After receiving these 50 applicants, program organizers will create a “waiting list” for interested applicants and these will be considered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Only the names and contact information will be collected of the wait list applicants. City staff will continue to work with the program’s stakeholders (lenders, realtors, homebuilders, title companies) to ensure they are aware of the program’s status in order to effectively communicate with their clients about the program and the process.

Launched on August 10, 2013 by the City to help support single-family housing recovery following the May 2011 disaster, J-HAP has received a long-running level of high interest from the public. Funding for the program was initially set for $12.75 million, and in the summer of 2015 the City Council approved an additional $7 million of funds to extend the program to a total of $19.75 million.

The Joplin Homebuyers Assistance Program (J-HAP) assists eligible homebuyers with down-payment and/or closing costs. Funding assistance for this program is being provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, through a Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) award, which was received as a result of the May 22, 2011 tornado.

J-HAP is not limited to first-time homebuyers or to those affected by the tornado, although there are certain federal requirements that must be met to be eligible for the use of this J-HAP funded forgivable loan. Joplin residents and others interested in moving to Joplin can learn more about the J-HAP qualifications and guidelines by logging onto the City’s CDBG-DR website under the J-HAP information link at www.joplinmo.org/cdbg-dr. Individuals who have additional questions or who are interested in applying for the J-HAP should call the J-HAP Program Office at 417-850-2249 to schedule an appointment. A J-HAP Application Packet may obtained by submitting a request to the J-HAP Program Office by e-mail at jhap@nanmckay.com or in person at 602 S. Main Street, Joplin, MO 64801.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) are available within the J-HAP information link at www.joplinmo.org/cdbg-dr. We encourage all potential applicants, agents, lenders, and builders to please refer to the FAQs, or contact the J-HAP Program Office with any questions, or concerns at 417-850-2249.

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