BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (IUSTV News) - The City of Bloomington announced the launch of a pilot program aimed at helping city police and firefighters with housing payment assistance.
The goal of the $100,000 no-interest, down-payment program is to incentivize living and working in Bloomington.
The city says that the program will give $10,000 per year over ten years to pay off the down-payment loan.
A maximum of 10 sworn police officers and 10 firefighters will be eligible for the pilot program, and applicants must have one year of service or three years of relevant experience.
To receive the full benefits, employees will have to remain employed by the city as firefighters or police officers for the full 10-year period.
The city outlined three objectives of the pilot program. Attracting and retaining sworn police officers and firefighters, allowing fire and police to live in the city they serve, and to help first responders buy homes.
“Our community strongly supports our public safety sworn officers in many ways,” said Mayor Hamilton in the release. "“This pilot program is designed to take that to another level, to help more of our dedicated professionals live right in our community, and to help them build connections and value through their years of service."
The program proposal was announced in February. First responders interested in the program should contact City Human Resources at hrmail@bloomington.in.gov.
