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Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP) - Baldwin County

Baldwin County Commission Grants Department (CDBG-DR via ADECA) · Baldwin County, Alabama

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See what you qualify forOfficial program site →
Assistance

$85,000

The maximum the program publishes — not an offer

Income limit

80% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Repayment

Forgivable

Forgiven after 5 years

What is Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP) - Baldwin County?

Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP) - Baldwin County is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Baldwin County, Alabama, administered by Baldwin County Commission Grants Department (CDBG-DR via ADECA).

  • Baldwin County's Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP) is a CDBG-DR program (Hurricanes Sally & Zeta) that helps low- to moderate-income, disaster-impacted households close the affordability gap to homeownership with a need-based forgivable 2nd mortgage of up to $85,000 per household. The award has no monthly payments and no interest, and is forgiven after five years of primary occupancy with current insurance and taxes. Funds can cover down payment (up to 100% of the down payment, capped at 20% of purchase price), closing costs, inspections, interest-rate buydown, and buyer's agent commission.
  • Forgivable 2nd mortgage up to $85,000.
  • 0% interest, no monthly payments, forgiven after 5 years.
  • Covers down payment, closing costs, inspections, interest-rate buydown, and buyer's agent commission.
  • Case management and homebuyer education support.
  • Grant funding available through October 2028.
  • Funding comes from Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR), Hurricanes Sally & Zeta (2020), administered through Baldwin County Commission; grant available through October 2028 or until funds are fully awarded.

How much assistance does it provide?

Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP) - Baldwin County offers up to $85,000 in assistance.

  • The program can be combined with other assistance, subject to the rules of each.
  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Baldwin County Commission Grants Department (CDBG-DR via ADECA) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP) - Baldwin County is forgiven after 5 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

  • Repayment is triggered by Forgivable 2nd mortgage with no monthly payments and no interest accrual; forgiven after 5 years of ownership with primary occupancy and up-to-date insurance and taxes.
  • The assistance is recorded in Second position.
  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP) - Baldwin County is open to buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through HUD-certified housing counseling program; homebuyer education course required (list of providers on program handout).
  • Residency: Applicant must have been a Baldwin County resident (renter or homeowner), or in the process of purchasing a home in the county, at the time of the 2020 disasters; must maintain primary residency for a minimum of 5 years. Property must be within Baldwin County and in Flood Zone X.
  • Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. citizen or qualified alien.
  • NOT YET ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS as of June 7, 2026 - online application portal anticipated to open Summer 2026 (pending final ADECA approval); public information meetings held May 18 and June 3, 2026. Included as an actively-launching program. Property must be in Flood Zone X. Total debt-to-income should not exceed 42%; housing debt not to exceed 30% of income. Applicant must contribute a minimum $500 to closing costs.

The program excludes

  • Households above 80% of area median income

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

What are the income limits?

Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP) - Baldwin County limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • 2026 income limits for Baldwin County Metro Area at 80% of Area Median: 1 person $57,300; 2 $65,450; 3 $81,800; 4 $88,350; 5 $94,900; 6 $101,450; 7 $101,450; 8 $108,000.
  • The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
  • Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP) - Baldwin County caps the purchase price as follows: Appraisal report must be greater than or equal to the purchase price; no fixed maximum purchase price stated.

  • Eligible property types include Single Family.

Where does it apply?

Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP) - Baldwin County serves buyers purchasing in Baldwin County, Alabama.

  • The program targets specific areas: Targeted to disaster-impacted, low-income households who lived in Baldwin County at the time of the 2020 Hurricanes Sally & Zeta.

How do you apply?

Applications for Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP) - Baldwin County go through Baldwin County Commission Grants Department (CDBG-DR via ADECA), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through HUD-certified housing counseling program; homebuyer education course required (list of providers on program handout)..

  2. Contact Baldwin County Commission Grants Department (CDBG-DR via ADECA) to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through Online application portal (anticipated to open Summer 2026); case manager assigned after initial eligibility determination., and are subject to availability.

  3. Work with a lender who handles the program

    Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

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