City Hosts Event for First-Time Homebuyers

Lenders, Housing Counseling Agencies Ready to Connect Residents with Down Payment Assistance and Other Resources

New Bedford, MA – Mayor Jon Mitchell and the City of New Bedford hosted an event for those interested in becoming first-time homebuyers on Wednesday, September 20, at the Andrea McCoy Recreation Center.

The event, a collaboration between the City’s Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), featured nearly twenty partners including local mortgage lenders, housing counseling agencies, City departments, and other agencies with related resources. Over 130 residents aspiring to become first-time homebuyers received expert assistance in accessing financial assistance for down payments, enrolling in first-time homebuyer education courses, receiving credit and homebuyer counseling, and completing pre-qualification and/or pre-approval processes. People Acting in Community Endeavors (PACE) staff were present to help with translation services.

The event is consistent with the goals of Building New Bedford, a city-wide, comprehensive housing plan announced by Mayor Mitchell in March, which includes the priority of promoting homeownership and independent living. New Bedford residents interested in learning more about the homebuying process and available resources are encouraged to reach out to the Office of Housing and Community Development at (508) 979-1500 or online at https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/community-development/.

“Homeownership has long been central to the American dream, and achieving that goal is closer than many might suspect, through the resources made available by the City and its partners,” said Mayor Mitchell. “We are particularly interested in increasing owner occupancy in multi-family homes as a key part of our strategy to strengthen neighborhoods. I thank all the staff and partners who came together to help make resident’s homeownership dreams a reality.”

“We are delighted to partner with the City of New Bedford in hosting our New England House Party,” said HUD New England Regional Administrator Juana Matias. “There are so many resources to assist families in preparing for and going through the process of buying their first homes. That is why we are here in New Bedford, offering important information and connections that will assist the people of our community to overcome the barriers they face to achieve their homeownership goals.”

“The OHCD and our partners throughout the region have consistently led the way in connecting residents with homeownership opportunities they may not have thought possible otherwise,” said OHCD Director Joshua Amaral. “We are proud to continue to expand that work through this vital event.”