HART's Home Ownership Made Easy, or "HOME" Program has been in existence for twenty years, providing education, information and support to first-time home buyers. The HOME Program's goal is to not only enable participants to purchase a home, but to help them become successful, long-term homeowners. This service is particularly essential in Hartford, with its very low homeownership rate. About three-quarters of HOME Program participants who close on their first home buy in the City of Hartford. The HOME Program is HUD and CHFA approved, features many "best practices" of effective homeownership education programs, and is offered in English and Spanish. Since its inception, HART's home program has maintained a participant mortgage default rate of less than 2 percent, far less than the general population.
In 2010, HART has added a dedicated Landlord Education class to be held twice a month - once in English and once in Spanish, and on an individual basis as needed. It will be offered free-of-charge and includes handouts and supporting materials. Each class session will feature expert speakers on landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities.
