Construct’s Final Mile Grant
Empowering First-Time Homebuyers
At Construct, we recognize the hurdles of achieving homeownership in South Berkshire County. We are thankful for the crucial role played by State Representative Smitty Pignatelli in securing a $100,000 grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for Construct. Grant funds assist prospective first-time home buyers. We are pleased to announce that it has helped ten families in realizing their dream of homeownership.
Our “Final Mile” grant was designed to make a big impact by covering a portion of closing costs and down payment expenses. However, distributing these funds wasn’t without its challenges. The housing market in South Berkshire County is highly competitive, with property prices often exceeding the budgets of income-eligible buyers. This meant that, while the grant was aimed at those most in need (households with an income not exceeding 100% of the Area Median Income), the pool of potential beneficiaries was somewhat limited.
In response, we made a strategic shift. Initially, we offered smaller grants of $2,500, but it quickly became clear that a more substantial financial boost was needed. So, we increased the grant amount to $15,000, providing more robust support for first-time homebuyers. This change proved beneficial, enabling those who found affordable properties to achieve homeownership.
By increasing the grant amount and focusing on providing more support, Construct showed its commitment to helping first-time homebuyers overcome financial hurdles. The “Final Mile” grant was vital in stabilizing our communities, allowing more families to invest in their futures. We’re incredibly proud to have been part of these families’ journeys to homeownership.
Though the Final Mile funding has been exhausted, we’re optimistic about the future and eager to continue our mission of assisting South Berkshire County community members in finding safe and affordable housing. Stay tuned for more updates and initiatives from Construct!