Central Texas Opportunities, Inc. officials turned over keys to a new home Monday thanks to their Homeowner Rehabilitation Assistance Program.

Jennifer Barton is now the proud owner of a newly constructed home on Hawkins Street in Brownwood through the program and took possession of the home after a short ceremony and ribbon cutting.

The Homeowner Rehabilitation Assistance Program is in place to expand the supply of decent, safe and affordable housing in the area through rehabilitation or demolition and reconstruction of owner-occupied housing.

Homeowners can apply for the program through Central Texas Opportunities if they meet specific income guidelines, have clear marketable title, can provide evidence of ownership, will occupy the assisted property as their primary residence and be current on taxes.

Central Texas Opportunities has not only provided this new home in Brownwood but also reconstructed one in Bangs and two in Coleman.

“This is such a great day for Jennifer and for Central Texas Opportunities,” said CTO Executive Director Hannah Adams.  “It took our entire staff to do this program and it took a lot of blood, sweat and tears.”

Central Texas Opportunities officials said that through the program, a home owner can apply for help if they need repairs to their home and cannot afford to make those repairs.  If they qualify for the program, a home inspection will be performed to assess the amount of repairs needed and determine if the home qualifies to be demolished and rebuilt.

For more information about the Central Texas Opportunities Homeowner Rehabilitations Assistance Program, call CTO at 1-800-625-4167.

Pictured above is Jennifer Barton cutting the ribbon on her new home along with Central Texas Opportunities representatives, Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce ambassadors, friends and neighbors.