JCPS teacher closes on first home with help from Delta Home down payment program

The Delta Home program in Louisville offers up to $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers with household incomes at or below the area median income. A down payment of $25,000 could be yours. The Louisville program is called Delta Home. Its first recipient, a Jefferson County Public Schools teacher, just closed on her first home.

"By the time I get done paying on it, I'll be in my 50's. I wouldn't want to go upstairs. I barely want to now and I'm 29," said De'Coriyanna Garrett.

She prefers having a single-story home. It's for the teacher's family of four kids.

Her first house has four bedrooms and is in the Wyandotte neighborhood. She was able to close on it thanks to the Delta Home down payment program.

"While De'Coriyanna's family might be the first, she won't be the last," Mayor Craig Greenberg said.

One million dollars, donated by Delta Dental of Kentucky, built the fund giving out up to $25,000 in down payment assistance for homes up to $260,000. The buyer gets to pick the home, but it must pass an extra city inspection.

The loan is interest-free and forgiven after five years, as long as the recipient owns and lives in the home that long — or, if the home is sold within that window, all proceeds go toward another primary residence. Up to 10 eligible participants can receive the assistance each year.

"It's an opportunity to make memories, strengthen communities and strengthen families," Brian Hart, the chief revenue officer for Delta Dental of Kentucky, said.

The program requires participation in another city program, Healthy Start. It provides help for families expecting a baby until that baby's 18 months old.

Healthy Start works to improve health outcomes for parents and reduce infant mortality rates, particularly since Black infants have the highest mortality rate in Jefferson County. The program is available in ZIP codes covering areas like Newburg, Valley Station, Pleasure Ridge Park, Hazelwood, Portland, Park Hill and Algonquin.

Mary Jolly puts people through Healthy Start. She never imagined it would put down a family's roots.

"One of our staff was just like, 'yeah, I got a mom who's gonna be homeless if we don't find something, and that's a real thing that keeps happening,'" Jolly said.

The moment became real with a hug.

"You did it," Jolly said, holding Garrett.

Realtor Hasten Jordan showed Garrett 10 homes.

"It took a lot of dedication from her," Jordan said. "I had to encourage her."

But Garrett found her footing.

"I feel more prepared to jump off and be on my own," Garrett said.

Garrett said this moment comes with some work.

"A lot of paperwork. Trusting the process; trusting in God," Garrett said. "We are truly grateful. Thank you."

To qualify, families must not have owned a home within the past 12 months, and household income must be at or below the area median income, adjusted for family size. Participants also engage in 12 months of post-purchase financial counseling with the Financial Empowerment Center after closing.

JCPS teacher closes on first home with help from Delta Home down payment program

Comments / 1