Texarkana HOME Program

In late 2023, the City of Texarkana, Texas, announced the launch of the Texarkana HOME Program after receiving authorization to participate in the HOME Investment Partnerships Program run by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). This program gives the city access to funds that support building new homes for qualifying low-income homeowners, strengthening neighborhoods and expanding access to safe, affordable housing. Over the past year and a half, the City has worked alongside KBB Consulting and JSG Home Builders to demolish nine substandard properties and replace them with beautifully constructed new homes. Throughout this extensive process, the focus extended beyond construction. City staff and partners built meaningful, lasting relationships with residents, making the program not just about housing, but about community and opportunity. The Texarkana HOME Program is funded primarily through federal and state grant dollars administered by TDHCA, with a small matching contribution from the City of Texarkana. In certain cases—such as homes deemed substandard due to a national disaster or when the homeowner is disabled—a city match is not required. There is no cost to homeowners who participate in the program, and they retain ownership of the property during construction and after completion. Assistance is provided either as a five-year conditional grant or a 15-year deferred forgivable loan. During this period, homeowners are responsible only for property taxes and homeowners insurance. If a home is sold before the required time period ends, a portion of the assistance must be repaid. Once the term is complete, the grant or loan is fully forgiven. During each application cycle, residents living within the city limits of Texarkana, Texas, are invited to attend a two-day, in-person event where they can ask questions and receive assistance from program administrators and City staff. All applications submitted by the deadline are entered into a lottery drawing to determine the order in which they are reviewed and submitted in accordance with TDHCA guidelines. One of the most rewarding moments of the program has been handing over the keys and welcoming residents into their new homes. The goal of the Texarkana HOME Program is to expand the supply of decent, safe, and affordable housing for low-income households while helping residents remain rooted in the communities they love.