Affordable Home Ownership Assistance Program

I felt that this information was worth posting since it has the potential to help several families in the city.

City Re-Opens Affordable Home Ownership Assistance Program

Homeownership will be made possible for seven families through the City of Grande Prairie’s Affordable Home Ownership Assistance Program.

Eligible applicants will receive a $20,000 down-payment assistance grant. This program is one of many affordable housing initiatives in the City.

A family is defined as: a minimum of two people, one of whom is a dependent child.

Since 2008, 73 Regular Home Ownership Assistance Program grants and 23 Aboriginal Home Ownership Assistance Program grants have been allocated in Grande Prairie. This has provided housing for 267 people, including 120 children.   "We know that for many families, a down payment is all that stands between them and a permanent home," says Mayor Bill Given "The Affordable Home Ownership Assistance Program has been very successful helping move families who want out of the rental market to get into homes where they can build equity."  Even with a robust economy, some residents have found it difficult to raise a down payment. Declining vacancy rates have also put upward pressure on rents and made it difficult to find rental accommodations.

 ”Moving low-income families into home ownership from rental accommodation will improve their quality of living, provide a sense of security, and contribute to their feeling of belonging in community,” says Mayor Given “The transition into home ownership not only directly affects the applicants, but the entire household, including children.”   Of the seven grants now available, two are made possible through the Off-Reserve Aboriginal Housing Program. These two grants will be awarded to successful Aboriginal applicants. The deadline for accepting applications and all supporting documentation is Oct. 19.

These grants, made possible through unused funds in previous programs, do not have to be repaid, provided the successful recipient adheres to the conditions of the program.

To download the application for the Affordable Home Ownership Assistance Program, visit the Affordable Housing webpage at www.cityofgp.com.