Lake Charles, Louisiana - On February 4, 2025, Mayor Nic Hunter of Lake Charles, Louisiana, announced a new partnership with the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) aimed at assisting city employees in achieving homeownership. The initiative builds upon LHC's existing Keys for Service Program, which is designed to provide essential workers with forgivable down payment and closing cost assistance.

The Keys for Service Program was originally created to aid Louisiana's essential workers by making homeownership more accessible. Eligible participants are required to occupy their homes for a designated period, making it easier for them to buy their primary residence. The new program introduced by the City of Lake Charles will enhance this initiative by specifically targeting city employees who purchase homes within city limits.

The partnership enables qualifying city employees, who must have completed one full calendar year of employment, to receive down payment and closing cost assistance. This assistance can amount to up to four percent of the purchase price or $10,000, whichever is less. The program operates on a first come, first serve basis, and it is important to note that there is no cash back to borrowers. All other eligibility criteria from the LHC's Keys for Service Program will also apply.

The Keys for Service Lake Charles Partnership is a collaborative effort that will assist eligible families and individuals in their pursuit of homeownership.

To learn more about the Keys for Service Program and how to apply, city employees are encouraged to visit the LHC's official website at www.lhc.la.gov/keysforservice.