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As he reviewed the "blue prints" of one new program, county administrator Clifton Johnson said his hope was that it would be the foundation for the construction of more rooftops in the community.

Tunica County will soon offer a mortgage assistance program for first home buyers seeking to reside in the county. The program will be administered through Tunica County Housing Project, Inc. and will be offered in addition the home rehabilitation program.

Johnson said the the first time home buyers program came about as a way to reach a new demographic.

"Every year, the county gives one and a half million to our housing program," Johnson said. "In the past, it has all been used for rehabbing homes. Individuals ages 59 and older or disabled could apply. We decided to take half those funds and use them to fund a down payment assistance program for first time home buyers."

Johnson stressed that applicants can be any age.

In order to participate in the program, individuals must first visit Tunica County Housing Project and fill out the necessary paperwork. They will then screen all the applications to determine if all the guidelines are being met. The requirements include: being a U.S. Citizen, permanent resident alien or possessing a work authorization visit; possessing a valid social security number; meeeting Tunica Mortgage Program Assistance and TMAP lender underwriting requirements; being a first time home buyer with an income less than the Tunica County median income; having satisfactory employment history for the past six months; completing a home ownership course from an approved counseling agency and supplying a down payment that meets TMAP lender's minimum requirement. Applicants cannot have $3500 plus one month's gross income after closing and must conform to the IRS filing status. They must also qualify for a conventional, FHA or portfolio mortgage loan, be insured by the FHA, Rural Development or the Veteran's Administration, must occupy the home as a primary residence and cannot keep cash back at closing.

Johnson said those who do not meet the initial requirements will be offered the option to attend credit counseling, making them eligible for the program in the future.

"If you aren't approved right away, taking the credit counseling makes it possible for you to be ready to buy a home in two or three years," Johnson said.

Deciding which home to hang your hat will be up to the income guidelines and officials.

According to Johnson, this program targets individuals who earn 115 percent or less of the median income. The median income is set by the Housing and Urban Development department and is based on wages earned by eligible workers within a household.

The median income for Tunica County for a family of four is 31,100. That number increases with family size. For instance, Johnson noted that for a family of eight, median income is $67,000 a year.

In order to qualify for the program, home buyers must fall in one of the three categories- 80 percent of median income or below, 81 to 100 percent of the median income or 101 to 115 percent of median income.

Johnson said "the higher the percentage, the less people will qualify for."

Those falling in the first category will be eligible for up to $25,000 in assistance. That amount can be used to reduce the principal on the home, make a down payment or help with closing costs. Those in the 80 or less range can purchase a new or existing home. The purchase price must be 150,000 or less.

Those falling in the middle category will be eligible for up to $20,000 in assistance. It can also be used for principal payments, down payments or closing costs. Individuals can buy a new or existing home valued at 150,000 or less.

Those making 101 to 115 percent of the median income can qualify for up to $15,000. Like the other two groups, individuals can purchase a home up to 150,000 or less and can use the funds for principal, closing costs or a down payment.

In addition, the home must meet HUD's minimum housing standards. An inspection will be performed by program officials.

The county is also offering a housing incentive for teachers coming in to the county.

Johnson said the state of Mississippi provides $6000 for teachers who chose to reside in areas of the Delta. Tunica County will match that, provided that the individual choses to make their home here.

Johnson said teachers will not have to adhere to the income requirements.

Teachers and others interested in the program will have an opportunity to ask questions and gather more information at a Housing Fair, tentatively scheduled for June 11. Johnson said it is being sponsored by the Economic Development Foundation and will include builders, developers and others involved in the local housing industry.

Whether people find out about it at the fair or some place else, Johnson said he hopes the program will be a success.

"I anticipate we will have 300 applications right away," Johnson said. "Not everyone will qualify, but we can bring people in to the pool and counsel them to buy in the future. In a community like ours, where you have the funds to do it, you can make an investestment in the community. We hope this will be a way to help people who want to live here, stay, work and be good citizens."