The City of Daisetta is taking major steps to address one of its most pressing issues — unsafe and unaffordable housing. Through a new initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), the city will provide qualifying low-income homeowners with the means to replace aging, deteriorating homes with newly constructed houses on the same lot.
“Getting involved in the HOME Program was a must for me when I took office,” said Daisetta Mayor Chancey Bailey. “It’s easy for us to sit in a room and make decisions for the City of Daisetta, but I wanted to provide our residents with the tools they need to have a better quality of life.”
The HOME Program is administered through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), and the City of Daisetta has hired GrantWorks, Inc. to oversee the program locally. GrantWorks will also be responsible for reviewing applications and making selections for funding — city officials will not be involved in the selection process.
“These grants are life-changing for those who qualify and are selected,” said Bailey. “We don’t have control over how many will qualify, but over time, I believe this program will transform the lives of our residents. They’ll be in safe housing and won’t be worried about their house falling down on them. It will also transform the appearance of our town, which is something else we’re working to improve.”
According to U.S. Census data, the median income in Daisetta is just $32,599 — more than $26,000 below the national average. That income gap helped the city qualify for the HOME Program. In the first year, the City hopes to replace at least one home, with the potential for more in future years as funding allows.
“This is something we’ve needed for so long,” said Councilwoman Cindy Burchfield. “Our biggest problem in Daisetta is a lack of decent and affordable housing. We have people living in homes that are falling apart, but they cannot afford to rebuild or fix their homes.”
Applications for the program will be accepted beginning July 28 through Sept. 11, 2025, and residents are encouraged to act quickly.
Applications can be picked up in person at Daisetta City Hall, 410B Main St., Daisetta. Submissions will be accepted by U.S. mail, fax, email, phone or online via a QR code (simply scan with your phone or tablet’s camera, then click the link and follow the instructions). For information or application assistance, contact Katrina Lowrey by calling 512-325-3615 or sending email to katrina@grantworks.net.
To qualify for the HOME Program, applicants must provide documentation for each household member. This includes the last four months of pay stubs, a copy of the 2025 Social Security or SSI benefit letter (if applicable), a printout from the Attorney General’s Office showing child support payments (if applicable), and documentation for pensions, retirement benefits, or other public assistance. Applicants must also submit a copy of the filed warranty deed to their property and home. A full list of documentation requirements is included in the application packet.
Income limits are based on gross annual household income. For example, a one-person household must earn $56,650 or less annually to qualify. A two-person household must earn $64,760 or less, and a three-person household must earn $72,850 or less. The income limits increase with household size, up to $106,800 for an eight-person household.
Bailey believes the long-term impact of the HOME Program will reach far beyond individual households.
“It will transform our residents’ lives because they will be in safe housing and will not be worried about their house falling down on them,” she said. “Over time it will transform the appearance of town. That’s another issue we are facing—dilapidated buildings. This will improve the community’s overall wellbeing.”
Now, this is the way to do it! Proud of Daisetta city government for helping the right way.