Flooding in northern Grand Island, (Dallas Nau, Central Nebraska Today)
HASTINGS — After years of historic flooding and natural disasters impacting south-central Nebraska, the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) is stepping up with a new solution.
The organization has launched the Owner-Occupied Repair – Disaster Recovery (OOR-DR) Program, offering up to $20,000 in assistance to help low-income homeowners make critical repairs after disaster-related damage.
The program was established after the HDC Board of Directors identified $100,000 that could be immediately used to support recovery efforts, particularly for residents impacted by recent flooding in Grand Island.
While the initial focus is on flood recovery, the program is designed to remain flexible and responsive to future disasters across HDC’s five-county service area: Adams, Clay, Hall, Nuckolls, and Webster.
“This program fills the gap where homeowner’s insurance leaves off,” said Alyssa Heagy, Executive Director of HDC. “It won’t cover deductibles or personal property, but it will ensure families can restore their homes to safe, livable conditions after a disaster. Everyone deserves to live in safe housing.”
Eligible repairs include structural damage, electrical, plumbing, HVAC systems, mold or water damage, lead-based paint or radon hazards, and other safety-related issues. Funding is provided as a 0% interest, no monthly payment loan, with 50% forgiven after ten years if the homeowner remains in the home.
Key eligibility criteria include:
• Ownership and occupancy of the home
• Location within one of the five eligible counties
• Household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI)
• Proof of insurance and documentation of disaster-related damage
The OOR-DR Program will not be a year-round offering but will be activated as natural events require, allowing HDC to respond quickly to future emergencies.
Applications are reviewed on a first-complete, first-served basis. Interested homeowners can request more information or begin the application process by contacting HDC at 402-461-8407 or info@hdcne.org.
Community members can support this effort by donating to HDC. Contributions help extend the program’s impact to more families in need.
Donations can be made securely at www.hdcne.org/donate.
“I want to thank the HDC Board of Directors,” said Heagy. “From the moment we learned about the extent of damage to homeowners’ properties—many of whom were unaware that traditional homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover flooding—they moved swiftly. In less than a month, they identified funding, developed a program policy, and approved its launch. Their passion for safe housing and their quick response demonstrates our organization’s deep commitment to our mission: to promote affordable housing opportunities and improve the quality of life for Nebraska residents.”
About Housing Development Corporation
Housing Development Corporation (HDC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to strengthening Nebraska communities through safe, affordable housing solutions. HDC serves Adams, Clay, Hall, Nuckolls, and Webster counties through programs such as affordable housing, owner-occupied rehabilitation, homebuyer and tenant education, and disaster recovery assistance.
