The District of Columbia is now connecting current and future homeowners to over 50 resources through a website, the Office of DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced on Thursday, November 18.
The site, frontdoor.dc.gov, will assist DC residents in preparations for purchasing a home, receiving help for mortgage payments, making home improvements, saving money on property taxes, and meeting the requirements of homeownership.
“This tool is one more way we can put homeownership in reach for more Washingtonians and help more long-time residents keep and maintain their homes,” Bowser said in a statement.
“We have developed many programs to give residents a fair shot, but people don’t always know about those programs or know how to access them – this site can help change that. Whether you are looking to become a first-time homeowner, looking to reduce your property taxes, or looking for help with paying your mortgage, Front Door can help you navigate the process and get connected to the many programs and supports we have available at DC Government,” she added.
Via Front Door, residents will be able to learn which housing resources they might qualify for just by responding to a few questions. Each of the 50+ resources are explained in a simple way, including their eligibility criteria, and how to apply for them.
“When it comes to homeownership, there are now more pathways to the middle class, and Front Door will open them for all residents to see,” said John Falcicchio, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development.
The program has been launched as part of Bowser’s 2019 Order on Housing in order to help meet the mayor’s goal of creating 36,000 new housing units by 2025.
It was developed by The Lab @ DC, in collaboration with the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, the Department of Housing and Community Development, and other DC agencies.