On December 11, 2012, the University of Mississippi, Institute of Disability Studies honored 500 disabled homeowners and their families at the celebration of its 15th anniversary of the Home of your Own (HOYO) program. There were approximately 200 people attending the event including federal state and local officials, and participating lenders city officials.

The Mississippi HOYO program was created in 1997 for the purpose of providing a support system for disabled individuals and families by identifying potential homebuyers; analyzing their housing needs and financial capacity; and preparing them for homeownership. The program receives an annual allocation of HUD's HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program funds from the Mississippi Development Authority to offer down payment assistance of up to $15,000 to eligible households with family members with a disability. HUD HOME funds are leveraged with monies from other federal, state, local and lending institutions to increase homeownership opportunities.

Only individuals with disabilities defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or families who have members with disabilities living with them may apply. "I had a good experience with HOYO," said. L.C. Truss, a wheelchair tennis champion. "I met some nice people. They helped me along, coached me, gave me the right direction as to how to get my home, and they were patient with me."

The potential home buyer must also meet HUD's HOME Program Income limits adjusted by household members. For more information, visit www.usm.edu/disability-studies or call (866) 883-4474.