The Urban League of Rochester and its subsidiary Economic Development Corporation are collaborating with the Town of Irondequoit to create and administer an innovative first-time homebuyer’s program.

The Town of Irondequoit Homebuyer Opportunity Program will incorporate support for all stages of the home buying process with the goal of eliminating barriers to homeownership in the Town, particularly those that have historically most impacted people of color.

“This exciting collaboration between the Urban League and the Town of Irondequoit sets a precedent for housing equity,” said Dr. Seanelle Hawkins, President and CEO of the Urban League of Rochester, “By leveraging the Town’s resources and the Urban League’s knowledge of community needs, the Homebuyer Opportunity Program is a huge step toward correcting for the legacy of redlining and other prejudicial housing practices that have led a generation of community members to believe they can never own their own home.”

Group educational components will center on financial literacy and pre- and post-purchase processes. Program participants will have access to individual home counseling, as well, to address their unique needs. The program will also include direct homebuyer assistance funding, which may be used toward closing costs, down payments, and other qualified home-related expenses.

“We are hoping that the success of this program will inspire other local towns and municipalities to forge similar partnerships with community organizations so that homeownership becomes accessible to everyone in Western New York,” Hawkins added.

Additional information, including application details and dates, will be released in the coming weeks. Interested community members may send questions about the program in the interim to info@ulr.org.

Media inquiries may be directed to wrivera@ulr.org.