City of Houston Celebrates Keys, Community and New Beginnings

Spotlighting the Impact of the Harvey Homebuyer Assistance Program

December 12, 2025 -- Houston, Texas -- The City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) recently hosted a special Welcome Home Celebration, where a deserving Houstonian received the keys to her new home through the Harvey Homebuyer Assistance Program (HbAP 2.0), a program that expands access to safe, affordable homeownership for Houston families impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

This milestone moment highlights the transformative impact of the program, which offers up to $125,000 in down payment assistance, closing cost support, principal reduction, and interest rate reduction for income-qualified first-time homebuyers.

Funded through a $19.8 million investment of CDBG-DR17 dollars, HbAP 2.0 is one of the City’s most significant tools in creating pathways to long-term housing stability.

To date, the program has helped 29 Houston families purchase homes, representing a $2,576,375.66 investment directly into supporting residents on their path to homeownership.

“This program is changing lives in a very real way,” said Cedrick LaSane, Assistant Director of HCD’s Single-Family Division. “Every closing represents generational opportunity, a family gaining stability, equity, and a fresh start after the long road of recovery from Harvey. Today’s celebration is exactly why we do this work.”

In the spirit of the season, American Furniture Warehouse (AFW) joined the celebration and presented the homeowner with a generous donation to help furnish her new space.

“We are honored to support a moment like this, one filled with joy, relief, and hope,” said Jacob Colby, Regional Manager-American Furniture Warehouse. “When the community comes together to uplift a family, it strengthens all of Houston.”

The Harvey Homebuyer Assistance Program 2.0 remains active, and the City of Houston encourages eligible residents to explore this opportunity.

Those interested in taking the next step toward homeownership can learn more about program requirements and how to apply by visiting our Homebuyer Assistance Program 2.0 page.

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The City of Houston Housing and Community Development (HCD) department makes long-term investments to improve the lives of Houston residents by creating opportunities for every Houstonian to have a home they can afford in a community where they can thrive. Our department will invest approximately $450 million in federal, state, and local funds this fiscal year to construct and maintain affordable homes, reduce barriers to homeownership, support the work of social service providers, build public amenities, and facilitate disaster recovery efforts. Learn more about programs and resources for Houstonians at http://houstontx.gov/housing.