Buying a first home is a special milestone in the lives of many Oklahomans, but often times those who serve and protect us as police officers and firefighters or teach our children how to read find themselves unable to achieve that milestone. Thanks to a program through the Oklahoma Housing Finance Authority (OHFA), this special group of Oklahomans who give so much to this state through their dedication to their professions will now be eligible for low interest home loans, according to Senator Kenneth Corn.

Corn, (D-Poteau) explained OHFA will make $5 million in 2005 for low interest loans available through two new programs called OHFA Shield and OHFA 4 Teachers. These programs are designed to assist police officers, firefighters and teachers with a fixed-rate mortgage and down payment assistance.

“These people invest in Oklahoma communities through their service and dedication and it only makes sense that we try to find ways to reward that dedication through these low interest home loans,” Corn said. “It’s a win-win situation. By making these funds available to these young professionals we are helping them to further their commitment to their communities and to Oklahoma.”

OHFA Executive Director, Dennis Shockley, said the program came to light after Corn encouraged OHFA to offer this special home ownership outreach program.

“Senator Corn wanted to see a program that would allow more young professionals the opportunity own a home and invest in their communities and because of his dedication to the program we can now offer low interest loans to some of the hardest working citizens in Oklahoma.” Shockley said.

Corn also explained that banks will begin accepting applications for these fixed-rate mortgage loans at noon on Tuesday, January 25.

“I encourage every police officer, firefighter and teacher looking to purchase a home for the first time to take advantage of this program,” Corn said. “They make an investment in the future of Oklahoma every day they are on the job and it is only fitting that we invest in their future also.”

For more information contact:
Senate President Pro Tempore's Office - (405) 521-5605