On May 13th 2021, Representatives John Rutherford (FL-04), Al Lawson (FL-05), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and John Katko (NY-24) introduced the “Homes for Every Local Protect, Educator, and Responder Act,” HELPER Act of 2021, to Congress. This Act proposes a home loan program for full-time employed First Responders: law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and pre-K-12 teachers.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the housing market has become extremely competitive and difficult for buyers to find affordable housing. For many First Responders, affordable housing can be difficult to find in the communities that they work in and serve. While this bill is not passed yet, and not final, here is what we know so far.
HELPER Act Benefits
With the HELPER Act, the following financial obstacles would be removed when First Responders finance their new homes:
- No Down Payment
- No monthly Mortgage Insurance Premium (PMI or MIP)
- Could be reauthorized after 5 years
- Only pay 3.6% Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMI)
This program is similar to VA Loan home programs, and can be beneficial to our First Responders in local communities who risked their health throughout the pandemic.
Share this blog with someone you know who could benefit from the HELPER Act.
