New incentive for city employees to buy homes in Hartford

Homebuying incentives for Hartford city workers

Eyewitness News 3
By Ayah Galal
Published: Dec. 27, 2023 at 4:00 PM CST

HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - A new program announced Thursday is helping to promote home ownership in the capital city.

“It would help me out, as well as my two kids, being able to establish being a homeowner,” said Hazel Garcia, Administrative Clerk with the Department of Families, Children, Youth and Recreation.

Garcia is a mother of two and has been working for the city of Hartford for the last 8 years.

She is currently renting and is ready to take the next step for her family and buy a home.

The new program is about to make that process easier for her.

“I am definitely gonna apply. And I think it would be beneficial to myself and my son and my daughter. Just to have that property in the city of Hartford. And have them to be able to be part of it. So I think it’ll be an amazing opportunity,” Garcia said.

Those working for the city can now apply to receive a $10,000 forgivable loan to help put money on a down payment for a home.

“It would be very helpful. Things are very pretty tough right now. If not for me, even for my staff who are Hartford residents or majority Hartford residents,” said Ohemeng Kyeremateng, Deputy Director of Recreation for the city of Hartford.

The program is aimed at helping those who serve the city while also improving home ownership rates.

Only 24-percent of residents own a home in Hartford. That’s one of the lowest home ownership rates in the state.

“It’s important for any city to promote home ownership. Home ownership is an important way in which a family can build wealth and pass that wealth on to the next generation,” said Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin.

Around 1,300 people work for the city of Hartford.

“It’s also an opportunity to add one more way of encouraging our employees to remain in the city of Hartford and promote retention. As you know it’s a tough labor market across the board,” Bronin said.

With a tough housing market, city employees said this program will make a big difference.

“I think it’s important especially as an employee to invest in somewhere you’re working, especially somewhere like Hartford. Where things are changing, becoming better every day,” said Kyeremateng.

Funding for the employee Homebuyer Assistance Program was authorized through a city council resolution passed late last year.

The application for city employees is currently open and available. You can find it HERE.