THDA funding gives Lawrenceburg family a fresh start at homeTitle
Deteriorating living conditions and ongoing health issues left one Lawrenceburg family uncertain about their future housing and in desperate need of support. Luckily, through the South Central Tennessee Development District (SCTDD) and the HOME Homeowner Rehabilitation program, the Hogan family now has a safe, suitable place to call home.
For more than 50 years, SCTDD has served as a vital bridge between life-changing programs and local communities, helping connect individuals and families with resources to help them thrive.
In 2024, SCTDD, in partnership with Lawrence County, applied for and received a HOME Homeowner rehabilitation grant to repair or rebuild housing that would otherwise be uninhabitable. This program’s impact extended far beyond just the housing repairs; it would help to provide families in Lawrence County with greater safety, stability and peace of mind.
For Paul Hogan and his family, this kind of support arrived at a time when they needed it most.
Facing unexpected health challenges and a home that was no longer providing a safe environment, they found themselves in a difficult living situation.
After learning of their circumstances, SCTDD Housing Director Tia Lockridge connected the Hogans with the HOME Grant, putting them on the priority list for receiving funds for home rehabilitation. Following an inspection, it became clear that the condition of their home was beyond what rehabilitation could address.
Rather than a temporary fix, SCTDD made sure that a long-term solution was available through the HOME program. They were approved for a newly constructed home, providing them with a safe home to heal. This summer, they moved into their new home, marking the start of a new chapter.
“I am no longer depressed. My health and my family’s health have improved. I am not worried about my roof falling on me while I sleep at night. No more rainwater coming through the roof. I am not embarrassed for people coming to my house now. I am ready to get back out in the community now that I am not focused on the home repairs I need”, said Paul Hogan.
For Lockridge, this story represents the heart of SCTDD’s mission and showcases the impact that stable housing can have for families.
“If homes are not healthy, then mental health and physical health can start to decline. Healthy homes equal healthy people. We want to start a generational wealth that lasts decades,” said Lockridge. “Through this grant, we are helping to provide a better tomorrow for a very long time.”
The HOME program is one of many programs administrated through THDA that expands the accessibility to affordable housing for Tennesseans, while creating real outcomes for real people. While building new homes is an essential part of addressing housing needs, preserving existing housing stock is equally as important. By investing in rehabilitation, communities maintain affordability and prevent displacement. For families and individuals like the Hogans, these investments into communities translate into stability, safety and a better quality of life.
