At a press conference in the North Haven firehouse, Governor Ned Lamont announced a new homeownership assistance program aimed at Connecticut’s brave first responders. The initiative, called First Responders’ Time to Own, will provide eligible firefighters, police officers and emergency medical services workers with as much as $25,000 toward down‑payment and closing‑cost expenses.
Eligibility focused on service and community roots
To qualify, applicants must have at least two years of full‑time service in Connecticut and must purchase a home within the municipality where they work. The program does not impose an income ceiling, making it accessible to a broad range of public‑safety professionals.
Legislative backing and broader recruitment strategy
The assistance plan is part of Public Act 26‑12, signed by Gov. Lamont in June. The law also raises pay, offers state tuition waivers and expands benefits for families of first responders who have fallen in the line of duty. According to Comptroller Sean Scanlon, the legislation addresses a “national problem” of recruiting and retaining police, fire and EMS personnel.
Addressing a shrinking volunteer force
Connecticut has seen a steep decline in volunteer firefighters—more than a 62% drop since 2017, according to a May 2025 report from Scanlon’s office. State Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Ronnell Higgins warned that the shortage threatens the very fabric of community safety, noting that many would‑be volunteers cannot afford to live where they serve.
Program modeled on proven success
Housing Commissioner Seila Mosquera‑Bruno explained that the new aid builds on the state’s existing Time to Own program, which has helped over 10,000 families become first‑time homeowners since its 2022 launch. The first‑responders version is more flexible: it requires only two years of residency and imposes no income cap, while still offering a reduced interest rate on Connecticut Housing Finance Authority mortgages.
Launch timeline and application process
The program will open for applications on Nov. 16, operating on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Funding will be drawn from the existing Time to Own pool, ensuring the initiative is fiscally responsible. Gov. Lamont emphasized the symbolic importance of the move, saying, “We’re sending a message to the people that have these jobs, and the people that want these jobs, that we’re going to be there for you if you’re there for us.”
Local impact and community support
At the announcement, three state police officers stood beside the governor, joined by dozens of firefighters and police officers from North Haven, Middlefield and Westfield. Their presence underscored the program’s direct relevance to the neighborhoods they protect daily.
By helping first responders put down roots in the towns they serve, the state hopes to strengthen community ties, improve public safety and bolster the recruitment pipeline for years to come.
Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.
