MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Four local health care professionals have purchased homes through a program offering $25,000 in down payment assistance to eligible employees buying a home in Reno County.
Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System announced the first completed purchases through its Elevate Housing Assistance Program on Tuesday. Several additional applicants have been approved and are searching for homes.
The program was established through a gift from an anonymous Hutchinson couple to the Hutchinson Regional Medical Foundation. The foundation matched the initial donation to expand the program’s reach.
Elevate Housing is intended to help working professionals who may not qualify for traditional housing assistance but still struggle to save enough for a down payment, according to the health system.
“Helping professionals put down roots in our community benefits all of us,” said Benjamin Anderson, president and CEO of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System.
Anderson said the program provides another tool to attract and retain professionals while encouraging investment in the local community.
Eligible participants include health system employees, Hutchinson Police Department officers serving at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and Hutchinson Community College educators working at the medical center.
Participants must meet income and credit qualifications, purchase a single-family home in Reno County as their primary residence and commit to remaining employed by the health system for at least three years.
The program gives priority to housing developments and initiatives including Plum Creek, Wildcat Landing, Interfaith Housing and properties available through the Hutchinson Land Bank.
Ann Bush, chair of the foundation’s board of directors, said the first four home purchases demonstrate how donations can help address a community need while supporting individuals and families.
The foundation is seeking additional donors to help extend homeownership assistance to more local professionals.