City of Ocean Springs

Homeowner Scott Smajd

Ocean Springs, MS – Scott Smajd, an employee with the City of Ocean Springs Public Works Department, is a homeowner thanks to the city’s Reach program, Regional Employer Assisted Collaboration for Housing.  Funding for the home ownership program designed for public sector employees, teachers and nonprofit employees in Jackson County is funded through the Gulf Coast Renaissance Corporation, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit founded by the Gulf Coast Business Council.  Its mission is to assist in the development of affordable housing for the Mississippi Gulf Coast workforce.

The City of Ocean Springs Human Resources Department began assisting Mr. Smajd with the documentation required for the program in October of 2008.  Mindy McDowell, HR Director, noted that the REACH process does take time, but it is well worth the effort.

“Mr. Smajd is our first employee to qualify for closing on a home purchase through the REACH program,” said Mindy McDowell, HR Director.  “We are pleased for his family and the opportunity to offer this program to our employees.”

Qualified workers can receive up to $40,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance to purchase a home in the three coastal counties.  Funds are only available to households earning less than 100 percent of the Area Median Income.  The income limit is adjusted depending on the number of people in the household and county of residence.  Qualified workers must be able to contribute at least $500 toward the home purchase, attend homebuyer education classes and financial counseling sessions, in addition to other program requirements.

For more information about the REACH program, call 228-896-3386.