Housing Portfolio
Affordable Housing, Rental Relief, and Down Payment Assistance for Atlanta Firefighters.
The Housing Impact Portfolio consists of programs designed to strengthen recruitment and retention efforts by providing affordable recruit housing units, rental stipends, and traditional down payment assistance opportunities for members of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department.
These initiatives are intended to help reduce financial barriers to housing stability while supporting firefighters and emergency personnel throughout various stages of their careers.
To be eligible for participation in Housing Impact Portfolio programs, participants are required to enroll in the Financial Wellness Program and complete a minimum of three (3) one-on-one coaching sessions during their housing assistance period.
Recruit Housing
As an essential factor for successful recruitment efforts, the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation works to provide affordable housing opportunities for Atlanta Fire recruits participating in the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department training academy.
Housing Relief Program
The Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation’s Housing Relief Program is designed to provide housing stipends and financial literacy opportunities for sworn firefighters of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department.
Through the program, eligible participants may receive support for in-city housing expenses while also gaining access to financial wellness resources intended to promote long-term stability and economic empowerment. By encouraging residency within the City of Atlanta, the program seeks to strengthen public safety outcomes and foster deeper connections between Atlanta’s firefighters and the communities they serve.
Eligible applicants may receive a rental stipend of up to $1,000 per month based on the applicant’s base salary. Stipend assistance may be awarded for a maximum period of twelve (12) months.
To qualify, the rental property must be located within the corporate city limits of Atlanta, Georgia. All stipend payments will be made directly to the property owner or property management company.
As part of the program, participants are also required to participate in complimentary monthly financial literacy sessions designed to support budgeting, savings, credit improvement, and long-term financial planning.
To be eligible for the Housing Relief Program, applicants must be enrolled in the Financial Wellness Program and have completed a minimum of three (3) one-on-one coaching sessions. A verification letter confirming completion of the required coaching sessions must be submitted as part of the application process.
Down Payment Assistance
Achieving homeownership, in the city you serve, through down payment assistance. The Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation down payment assistance program established in 2022. Through the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation in partnership with the Atlanta Housing Authority, sworn firefighters and EMTs can qualify for a one-time gift of up to $30,000.00 in down payment assistance for first time homebuyers to put toward down payment and/or closing costs. Funds will be administered directly to the closing attorney via wire transfer.
Process:
Buying a home can be an exciting but tedious process. The Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation is here to help. We encourage sworn members of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department who are considering becoming a first time homeowner to begin your journey to homeownership with us. Schedule a 30 minute consultation today to learn how we can best assist your home buying experience through our assistance programs and partnerships.
Below please find the steps and eligibility requirements:
1. Identify property with maximum purchase price of $375,000.
2. Select lender from Atlanta Housing list of participating lender relationships. (See list of participating lenders)
3. Ensure compliance with criteria listed below.
For members to be eligible for the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department’s down payment assistance grant, the following criteria must be met:
Specific Housing Requirements:
To qualify for Down Payment Assistance through the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
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Be a sworn member of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department in good standing.
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Have successfully completed their probationary period.
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Be a first-time homebuyer, or have not owned a home within the past three (3) years.
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Be purchasing a property that will serve as the applicant’s primary residence and is located within Metro Atlanta.
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Be purchasing a home priced at or below $375,000.
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Be approved for a fixed-rate Conventional, FHA, or VA loan through a participating lender.
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Commit to remaining employed with the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department for a minimum of five (5) years following receipt of assistance.
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Complete an eight-hour (8-hour) HUD-approved Homebuyer Education Course.
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Be enrolled in the Financial Wellness Program and complete a minimum of three (3) one-on-one coaching sessions. A verification letter confirming completion of the required coaching sessions must be submitted as part of the application process.
For full eligibility details, including income limitations and asset requirements, applicants are encouraged to schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation prior to submitting an application.
