LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Higher property taxes in the Louisville's west end have some homeowners making tough calls about which bills to pay.

But a new initiative between the West End Opportunity Partnership is teaming up with the Louisville Housing Opportunities and Micro-Enterprise Community Development Loan Fund, Inc. or LHOME may help people in danger of losing their homes. 

Laura Douglas grew up in the Russell neighborhood, and she's passionate about the growth and development of the West End.

"When my husband and I returned to Louisville in 1985, we deliberately looked for a home that was available in Chickasaw," Douglas explained.

Now, as the President and CEO of the West End Opportunity Partnership, she's making sure other homeowners don't have to worry about losing their houses.

Her organization partnered with LHOME for a new residential property tax lending program.

"Without being able to pay those taxes, they may end up losing their home, but this program stands in the gap," Douglas said. "We will help you."

WEST END OPPORTUNITY PARTNERSHIP CEO LAURA DOUGLAS - 2-1-2024.jpeg

West End Opportunity Partnership CEO Laura Douglas. (WDRB Image) Feb. 1, 2024

Through the program, eligible borrowers will get help paying their taxes on time. Then they receive a repayment plan that fits their needs.

To qualify, eligible borrowers must be current residents of homes they bought before December 31, 2021. The homes must be in one of the nine West End neighborhoods: Algonquin, California, Chickasaw, Park DuValle, Park Hill, Parkland, Portland, Russell, and Shawnee. Applicants must also have a tax bill for 2023 that is more than 2022.

"Our customers will not experience any kind of default that involves losing their property," she said.

The West End Opportunity Partnership said COVID, inflation, and the country’s changing economy put financial pressure on many homeowners in west Louisville. Some have had to make choices on which bills are paid and which are not.

The loan program starts with $75,000 to help pay bills. Douglas said that's just the initial investment -- with no cap.

"There's no risk of running out of funds," she said.

The goal is to stabilize property ownership and keep people in the West End, an area Douglas knows and adores.

"I feel like I'm being a good neighbor, and I feel like I'm helping a community that I love," she said.

In addition to the loan, those accepted into the program will also get counseling and additional resources including enrollment in a savings program at a partner bank to help plan for future property taxes.

For more information on this residential property tax loan program, west Louisville residents should contact LHOME at info@lhomeky.org or (502) 882-8091.

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