LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It’s been around for decades, but you might not know it exists. We’re talking about a program in Louisville that helps people become homeowners.

What You Need To Know

  •  Louisville's home ownership program was created in 1997

  • Since 1997, 418 homes have been sold

  • Interest in the program is gaining steam

  • 2022 was a record year for the program with 40 homes purchased

Yarnell Griffin bought a new house in Dec. 2022, and she absolutely loves it.

Griffin was born and raised in Mississippi. She and her family moved to Louisville in 2000. For years, they lived in public housing. Five years ago, she decided she wanted to get a home for her and her son. She heard about the Louisville Metro Housing Authority’s home ownership program but wasn’t ready to learn more about it until 2022.

“This is it for me, for me and my babies. We’re already marking heights on the walls!” She said with a big smile and laugh as she sat at the family dinner table. “We’re gonna do some painting and all these little DIY’s, but it feels good to me to know that this is something I can leave to my kids that you can see in the physical.” Griffin explained.

The house the family chose was actually the very first home they looked at. They moved in on Dec. 10, 2022.

“It’s amazing! It feels good.” Griffin explained. “I feel very accomplished. It’s ours. I don’t have to worry about moving. I don’t have to worry about neighbors on top or bottom.”

Louisville Metro Housing Authority’s Homeownership Program helps people become homeowners. Last year was a record year, with 40 homes purchased, and it’s gaining steam. It started as a pilot program in 1997.

“I think it was realized that this money, this rent that you’re paying, it’s going to a landlord is continuing to make money. But why not invest that money back into the client so that they can become a homeowner? So that they can build an asset so they continue to do well.” Michelle Johnson, a home ownership specialist with the housing authority, explained.

Since the program’s inception, it has purchased 418 homes.

The LMHA said the program is a way for clients to use their subsidy voucher for a mortgage payment, instead of rent. How much that subsidy actually is varies widely.

There are income and eligibility requirements. Potential homeowners must have a Section 8 voucher or be living in LMHA’s public housing. There’s also a process that involves an application, homeownership counseling, orientations, briefings and more. LMHA works with 32 different agencies for that counseling. People get credit help, learn about budgeting and saving. There are even classes that walk you through the home-buying process. People find their own real estate agent and home anywhere in Jefferson County.

“You are going to be applying for a mortgage loan, just like anybody else out there. The difference is you have this extra subsidy. It almost counts as extra income, which helps you qualify for more of a house.” Johnson explained.

Johnson said her favorite part of the job is going to the closings, because she said people put in so much hard work. She hopes families know the agency sees them as important. In Johnson’s eyes, the program changes people’s lives.

“Yes, definitely!” Johnson said with a smile. “I think when you own your home, it’s a different feeling than renting. Your can do what you want with that home. You put down your roots there.”

The Griffin family’s lives have already changed.

“Because this house, this home, can be passed along generation to generation.” Griffin explained as she stood in her kitchen.

The Griffin’s plan on making memories here for years to come. 

If you’d like to learn more about the homeownership program, call (502) 569-6060 extension 6960 to request an orientation packet.

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