Tulsa launches Saving Our Homes initiative for low-income residents facing tax debt

During a recent meeting of the Tulsa Women's Commission, significant discussions centered around the "Saving Our Homes" initiative, aimed at assisting residents at risk of losing their homes due to tax debt. This program addresses a pressing issue in Tulsa, where the complexities of property inheritance often lead to difficulties in managing property taxes.

The initiative offers eligible low-income households up to $4,000 to help clear property titles or pay back taxes. This financial support is crucial for long-time Tulsans striving to maintain their generational homes, which are often at risk due to financial burdens.

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet specific criteria: they must live in a designated qualified census tract as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), earn less than 60% of the area median income, or reside in areas where over 25% of potential beneficiaries fall below the federal poverty line.

Funded by the city of Tulsa through the American Rescue Plan Act and in partnership with the Tulsa Economic Development Corporation (TEDC), the initiative is designed to provide timely assistance to those in need. Residents interested in applying can begin the process online at the TEDC website, with the application period closing on August 31.

For further inquiries, residents can contact TEDC directly at (918) 585-8332. This initiative not only aims to alleviate immediate financial pressures but also seeks to preserve the cultural and familial heritage tied to homeownership in Tulsa.