Jackson's 100 Homes Program Hits 50 Approvals

Jackson's 100 Homes Program Makes Progress

Jackson has made significant strides in its 100 Homes program, which aims to address the city’s housing needs. Nearly two years into the three-year initiative, the city has approved 50 applicants. Of these, 22 homes are currently under construction, and 28 have been completed and sold to local families, according to Cory Mays, the City Grant Administrator.

Since the program launched in October 2023, it has received nearly 2,000 applications. This high level of interest highlights the pressing need for affordable housing in the area. Mays emphasized that the project has helped dispel doubts about the existence of a housing crisis in Jackson.

“When we started this project, there were plenty of doubters that said Jackson doesn’t have a housing crisis,” Mays said. “I think the numbers have proven that over and over again…That housing crisis is real and it’s exciting that we’re doing something about it.”

The initiative involves building 100 new homes on vacant city lots for low- and middle-income families. The city is using $2.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to offer up to $25,000 in down-payment assistance to qualifying applicants.

This program not only helps rebuild neighborhoods but also provides families with stable housing and increases tax revenue for the city. Mays noted that most applicants come from within Jackson County, including a mix of families, married couples, and single individuals.

To attract more residents, the city has begun promoting the program outside of Jackson, targeting areas like Lansing and Ann Arbor. Mays believes that growing Jackson requires more than just increasing population—it also means enhancing diversity and showcasing the city’s potential.

“Whether we want to grow Jackson or not, we’ve got to make sure that we’re showing people inside and outside of Jackson why this is the right place to be,” he said.

Most of the construction is happening on the north and east sides of the city, with several new homes appearing near downtown. Some houses have been built on the west side, and the city is starting to see increased investment on the southside.

Applicants must meet income guidelines to qualify for the program. They must earn up to 120% of the area median income. According to the city website, 120% of the area median income for a single-person household is $70,800 a year as of 2025, while it is $80,950 for a two-person family.

To ensure applicants are prepared, the application process requires the same documentation as a traditional mortgage. This helps verify that applicants have the necessary paperwork and understand the process before applying.

With roughly 16 months remaining in the program, Mays encourages interested individuals to apply as soon as possible. City staff reviews applications daily, and delays could result in missed opportunities.

For those interested in learning more or applying, the program details are available on the city of Jackson’s official website.