For first-time homebuyers looking to buy a house in the City of Port Huron, the Urban Pioneer Program could help with a down payment and closing costs. The program, funded by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, is increasing the grants from $5,000 to $10,000 to keep up with rising home prices.
Jazmyn Thomas, Community Development Program Administrator, said that the City has the goal of increasing homeownership in the city. Thomas said that the program has helped over 150 households since 2011 and has funds available, anticipating the housing market heating up in the coming months.
The process of buying and owning a home can be complicated, and the grants are awarded after the future homeowners have worked with both a lender and a realtor and have found a home.
A free class is available through Blue Water Community Action that explains homeownership in great detail and is recommended by the Urban Pioneer Program.
There are income requirements for the program, such as a maximum income of $65,000 for a family of four. Links to details for the Urban Pioneer Program and the Homebuyer Education Class can be found below.
https://www.bwcaa.org/homebuyer-education
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
