Jersey City Awards Homeownership Grants to First-Time Buyers

The Jersey City Division of Community Development (DCD) has awarded grant funding to help eligible first-time homebuyers purchase homes through the Golden Neighborhood First-time Homeownership Program (GNHP), officials announced. The initiative supports households earning 80 percent or less of the Area Median Income (AMI) and is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s HOME Investment Partnership Grant.

Over 1,600 eligible applicants entered the GNHP lottery, with funding distributed to qualified recipients. Each awardee may receive up to 10 percent of the purchase price toward a down payment and an additional $10,000 for closing costs, with a maximum subsidy of $150,000 per household. The current award cap reflects a significant increase from the previous $40,000 limit set in 2018.

“This program opens the door for our low-income and working-class families to become homeowners and build stability for the future,” said Mayor Fulop.

To qualify for the GNHP, participants must secure a mortgage pre-approval, complete eight hours of HUD-certified homebuyer education, and obtain a certificate of completion. These requirements will be discussed at the DCD’s Housing & Mortgage Fair on Saturday, October 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 39 Kearney Avenue.

“Homeownership is one of the most important pathways to financial security,” said Deja Anderson, Director of DCD. “The response to this program shows how strong the demand is among residents who are ready to invest in Jersey City but need help bridging the gap to ownership.”

The Abbas family, recipients of the full $150,000 award, recently visited City Hall to celebrate purchasing their first home. “We are moved to tears we are so incredibly thankful for this opportunity to actually purchase our very own home,” said Mrs. Abbas.

The GNHP is part of DCD’s broader housing strategy focused on equity, neighborhood revitalization, and long-term stability. Once current funds are awarded, the city plans to reopen the application process and conduct another lottery.

DCD also announced plans to relaunch its Home Improvement Repair Program in spring 2026. The program will offer up to $25,000 to support critical home repairs for low- to moderate-income homeowners.