The Rip Van Winkle Home Ownership Program was created and implemented in 2009 to aid families and individuals in the purchase of an existing home in the town of Hunter. Since then, the Hunter Foundation had successfully aided four families achieve the dream of home ownership. This year, another four families will also reach that goal.
In total, between those eight families, the Hunter Foundation has administered more than $200,000 in grant funds. The Hunter Foundation is allocating the funds from New York State Housing and Community Renewal. The families range from singles to families of four and the homes are located in Hunter, Tannersville, and Haines Falls. These families and individuals, who had rented for their whole lives, now have an opportunity to be a permanent part of our community.
In order to be eligible for this grant, these homeowners were required to attend a first time homebuyer’s education course sponsored by the Hunter Foundation. This course, and several others put on by the foundation, have been well attended and very informative. We have educated over 64 people in our classes to date!
Unfortunately, the Home Ownership program will end with these final four participants. The Hunter Foundation hopes that more grants of this nature will be available in the future!
While the $25,000 grant will no longer be available, interested parties can benefit from other programs. The First Home Club, for example, is funded by the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York along with a participating bank, will match your saved funds four dollars for every one you save up to a total of $7,500.00. For more information, please contact the Hunter Foundation at 518.589.5050.