As home prices rise in San Diego, a new initiative was announced on Wednesday to assist teachers in the San Diego Unified and Poway Unified school districts in becoming homeowners. City Councilwoman Marni von Wilpert introduced the H.O.P.E. (Housing Opportunities for Public Educators) program during a news conference, emphasizing the need for affordable housing options for educators.
The H.O.P.E. program is funded with $1 million and targets teachers in San Diego’s Council District 5, which includes the communities of Scripps Ranch, Miramar, Torrey Highlands, Rancho Penasquitos, Rancho Bernardo, and San Pasqual. “Our teachers are an essential part of our communities,” von Wilpert stated. “But for too long, many of them have struggled to afford homes in the communities where they teach.”
To qualify for the program, teachers must work for either the San Diego or Poway Unified school districts, be first-time homebuyers, and have an income below 160% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The program will provide a minimum grant of $40,000 during escrow to help with home down payments for approved teachers and their families, in collaboration with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, a local nonprofit organization. Additionally, H.O.P.E. will offer counseling and guidance throughout the home-buying process.
“Housing stability is essential for the educators who shape the future of our children,” said Al Abdallah, president and CEO of the Urban League of San Diego County. “The H.O.P.E. program is a transformative step toward making homeownership a reality for San Diego’s teachers.”
Importantly, the funding for this initiative does not come from taxpayer dollars; instead, it is sourced from nonprofits and private donors. Once teachers are approved for a mortgage, a realtor will assist them in finding a suitable home in San Diego County that meets their budgetary and personal needs.
“Through the H.O.P.E. program, LISC San Diego is proud to help provide the financial support and resources educators need to achieve homeownership and build a stronger future for themselves and their students,” stated Ricardo Flores, the executive director of LISC. He praised Councilmember von Wilpert and the Urban League of San Diego County for their dedication to launching this program.
Sabrina Bazzo, a trustee with the San Diego Unified School District, expressed her support for the initiative, noting that it aligns with the district’s efforts to enhance housing options for its employees. “Housing stability for our educators is critical to the overall success and stability of every school,” Bazzo said. She added that she looks forward to witnessing the positive impact of this financial assistance program on the lives of the district’s staff and hopes to see similar initiatives implemented in the future.
