More than 10,400 families obtain housing via Direct Buyer Assistance Program

Housing Secretary William Rodríguez

By The Star Staff

Housing Secretary William Rodríguez Rodríguez announced on Wednesday that with a disbursement of over $400 million, more than 10,400 families in Puerto Rico have managed to obtain housing through the Direct to Buyer Assistance Program.

The Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR)-funded program, which began in July 2021 and is administered by the Housing Finance Authority (AFV by its Spanish initials) in conjunction with the island Housing Department, offers up to $60,000 in financial assistance for prompt payment and closing costs in the purchase of a home.

“What we have achieved, providing housing to more than 10,400 families in Puerto Rico, is a demonstration of recovery and progress,” Rodríguez said in a written statement. “We have directly touched the lives of thousands of Puerto Ricans, providing them with the opportunity to build a more stable and secure future.”

Rodríguez expressed gratitude for the collaboration of financial institutions and real estate brokers, which he said have been fundamental to the success of the program, creating a support ecosystem that allows families to achieve their dreams of having their own home.

The collaboration between the Housing Department and the AFV has not only provided financial assistance, but also educational and additional resources to buyers. The Housing Advisory Program has held workshops for buyers, an essential requirement to access assistance. The workshops are taught by six certified counseling agencies: Consumer Credit Counseling Service, CODEVyS, One Stop Career Center, Pathstone Corp., Ponce Neighborhood Housing Services and Puerto Rico Neighborhood Housing Services.

AFV Executive Director Blanca Fernández González emphasized the importance of collaboration with housing counseling agencies to ensure that applicants understand the eligibility process.

“We continue to work closely with these agencies, ensuring that a greater number of applicants fully understand the eligibility process,” she said.

The program initially received an allocation of $295 million, to which $200 million was added in February 2023 and another $200 million in October of the same year due to the great reception.

Those interested in the Direct Buyer Assistance Program can obtain more information and begin the application process by visiting www.compratucasa.pr.gov, where details on eligibility requirements and how to participate in the buyer workshop can be found.