Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  Baldwin County has launched a new Homeownership Assistance Program to help residents affected by Hurricanes Sally and Zeta. The program, known as HAP, is designed for income-qualified households countywide. It is part of a broader effort to support housing stability and long-term recovery in the area. The Baldwin County Commission announced the program, with applications opening next month.

The application portal will go live on September 21, 2026, on the Baldwin County website. Public meetings will be held on September 15, 2026, at 5 p.m. and on September 16, 2026, at 10 a.m. The September 15 meeting will be at the Baldwin County Foley Satellite Courthouse, 201 E Section Ave, Foley. The September 16 meeting will be at the Baldwin County Fairhope Satellite Courthouse, 1100 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope.

Funding for the program comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is distributed through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). The program falls under HUD's disaster recovery and resiliency funding guidelines.

To qualify, a household must have earned 80% or less of the Area Median Income at the time of the storms. Applicants must also have been Baldwin County residents during Hurricanes Sally or Zeta. Former residents seeking to return, as well as those purchasing a storm-damaged home at the time of the disaster, may also be eligible.

The program can provide several types of financial assistance. Assistance includes up to 20% toward a home down payment. It can also cover interest rate buy-downs, principal write-downs, and closing costs, such as inspections, appraisals, surveys, and legal services. Initial home warranty premiums are also included.

Family Promise of Baldwin County has been selected to administer the program. The organization will also provide homebuyer counseling and case management to applicants throughout the process. Family Promise serves families facing housing instability across the county.