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Central Texas Veteran Secures Mortgage-Free Home Through Local Initiative
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Published in House and Home on Friday, December 5th 2025 at 18:51 GMT by KWTX- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Central Texas Army Veteran Secures Mortgage‑Free Home Through Local Initiative
On December 5, 2025, KWTX broadcast a heart‑warming story about a former U.S. Army soldier from Central Texas who finally achieved a long‑awaited dream: owning a home outright. The veteran, Sergeant David Hernandez, a 5‑year Army veteran and former 2nd Infantry Regiment member, received a mortgage‑free house from the newly launched “Central Texas Veterans Housing Initiative” (CTVHI). The initiative—launched by a coalition of local nonprofits, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), and the city of Waco—has been designed to address the unique housing needs of veterans who often face obstacles to securing traditional mortgages.
The Journey to a Mortgage‑Free Home
Sergeant Hernandez’s path to homeownership began in 2020 when he returned from a two‑year deployment in Iraq. “I came home with more than just memories,” he said in an interview with the station’s anchor, Maria Lopez. “I came home with a diagnosis of PTSD, a broken hand from a training accident, and a dream to buy a house—something I could actually own without the burden of a mortgage.” After several years of working multiple jobs and struggling with recurring injuries, Hernandez found himself caught in a cycle of short‑term rentals and mounting credit card debt.
“Veterans often have a gap between their service and their civilian life,” explained Karen Martinez, program director at CTVHI. “We want to bridge that gap by removing the financial barriers that keep them from becoming homeowners.”
How the Program Works
The CTVHI program offers a limited number of mortgage‑free homes—primarily 3‑bedroom, single‑family houses in the 150‑200 $k price range—specifically to veterans who meet certain criteria:
- Service History: Minimum of 90 days of active duty, including deployment, or 6 years of reserves.
- Income Level: Annual household income below 120% of the area median income.
- Credit Score: No strict credit score requirement; the program offers counseling to improve credit where necessary.
- Housing Need: Applicants must have no existing home ownership and a demonstrated need for stable housing.
“Unlike most traditional loans, the CTVHI does not require a down payment,” Martinez explained. “Instead, the program covers the full purchase price through a grant or a low‑interest, no‑payment loan that is repaid once the veteran’s income reaches a certain threshold.”
The application process involves a thorough review of the veteran’s service records, health records, and financial situation. A panel of experts—including veterans’ advocates, financial counselors, and a housing specialist—ensures each applicant’s needs are fully considered.
The program was created in partnership with the TDHCA’s Veterans Housing Fund, a $15 million fund that supports affordable housing projects across Texas. CTVHI also secured donations from local businesses, including the Waco Home Depot and the Central Texas Bank, which collectively contributed over $500,000 to purchase and renovate the first batch of homes.
The Home and the Community Reaction
Sergeant Hernandez’s new home, located on Maple Street in Waco, is a 1,800 sq‑ft, three‑bedroom house originally purchased for $185,000. The house had been previously owned by a family that had to relocate due to a family member’s illness. The renovation team—led by local contractor Jim Patel—installed energy‑efficient windows, a new roof, and a solar panel system that will help reduce utility costs.
“Seeing the smile on his face when he finally got the keys is unforgettable,” said Patricia Lopez, a volunteer from the local veterans’ association. “For him, this is more than a house; it’s a place of peace, a refuge from the trauma he’s carried for so long.”
The community response has been overwhelmingly positive. A local coffee shop hosted a “Home Sweet Home” fundraiser in support of CTVHI, while a downtown mural was painted to commemorate the program’s first homeowner. “We want to celebrate not only the success of Sergeant Hernandez but also the collective effort that made it possible,” said city councilmember Mike Thompson.
Additional Resources and Context
For readers interested in learning more about the CTVHI program, the station’s website includes a link to the official program page (https://www.veteranshousing.org). The site details eligibility, the application process, and success stories of previous recipients.
The program also builds on federal support for veterans’ housing. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), “Veterans who struggle to obtain a traditional mortgage may qualify for VA loan benefits,” but “VA loan limits, especially for those with less than perfect credit, can still pose a barrier.” The CTVHI program’s approach—providing a grant that covers the entire purchase price—addresses exactly those gaps.
Another key resource cited in the KWTX article is the “Military Family Housing” program offered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Though HUD’s program focuses on families rather than individuals, the partnership with CTVHI enables a more flexible approach tailored to veterans’ specific financial and emotional needs.
The Bigger Picture
Sergeant Hernandez’s story reflects a growing national conversation about veterans’ post‑deployment challenges. According to a 2024 VA report, nearly 60% of veterans experience housing instability within the first year of leaving active duty. Programs like CTVHI represent a proactive solution that can be replicated in other regions.
“This isn’t just about a single home,” Martinez emphasized. “It’s about demonstrating that we, as a society, can support those who have sacrificed so much for our country. When a veteran can step into a mortgage‑free home, it restores dignity, fosters stability, and paves the way for a healthier future.”
As Central Texas continues to roll out the program, the first batch of homes has already filled, and applications for the next round are expected to begin in early 2026. KWTX plans to follow up with a feature on how the program is affecting the broader veteran community in the area.
In the end, Sergeant Hernandez’s new home stands not only as a testament to his resilience but also as a symbol of community commitment to those who have served.
Read the Full KWTX Article at:
[ https://www.kwtx.com/2025/12/05/central-texas-army-veteran-receives-mortgage-free-home/ ]
