Belton, Texas—In a heartwarming ceremony on Tuesday, the City of Belton marked a significant milestone in its efforts to support low-income residents. Mayor David K. Leigh handed over the keys to a newly rebuilt home to Jessica Nichols, a single mother of three children, through the HOME Program.

The HOME Program, administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, has been a lifeline for low-income residents since Belton began participating in 2001. The program provides funds to replace homes for eligible residents, ensuring safer and more secure living conditions. The home completed on Tuesday represents the 40th rebuild in Belton under the program.

Jo-Ell Guzman, City of Belton’s Grants and Special Projects Coordinator, expressed pride in the program’s achievements. “This is a great milestone. Over the years, this program has provided families with peace of mind and helped rejuvenate neighborhoods,” Guzman said.

To qualify for the grant, residents must meet several criteria:

• Own and occupy the home
• Reside within the Belton city limits
• Ensure the property is free from liens and other encumbrances or restrictions
• Be low-income, as defined in the application
• Have a home in poor condition
• Have no delinquent property taxes

The latest recipient, Jessica Nichols, inherited the home from her late mother. The HOME Program has not only provided a safer environment for her family but also preserved a cherished legacy.

Belton’s commitment to the HOME Program continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of its residents, fostering a sense of community and hope for the future.