Teachers Live Here Enters 2nd Application Cycle
Holland Public Schools is excited to launch the second cycle of Teachers Live Here - a program that awards over $25k to teachers who are buying homes in the Holland-area. As we get ready to welcome teachers back to school, we have some great news!
The second cycle of Teachers Live Here is underway at Holland Public Schools. Since launching a shortened first cycle of the program in January 2023, seven HPS teachers have been awarded a $25,000 grant for the down payment of a home within 15-miles of the district. Between July 2023 and June 2024, HPS hopes to give an additional 13 Teachers Live Here grants to teachers.
In addition to carrying over the three un-awarded grants from the shortened first cycle, Teachers Live Here grants in 2023-2024 will increase to $25,700. The increase is in response to a 2.8% increase in the consumer price index in the region since the start of 2023.
Teachers who are awarded a grant and who buy a home within the school district boundaries, will also receive $2500 toward paying mortgage closing costs.
“The first year of Teachers Live Here confirmed for us the reality of a difficult housing market for buyers in the City of Holland. The increase in down-payment assistance and the introduction of assistance with closing costs demonstrate our anonymous donors’ impressive commitment to retaining and recruiting the best educators to Holland Public Schools.” - Superintendent Nick Cassidy
Of the seven teachers awarded in the first cycle of the Teachers Live Here grant, six have closed on the purchase of a home and three have purchased homes within walking distance of their school.
“The Teachers Live Here grant created an opportunity for me that was not possible otherwise. I feel very blessed to own a home within the city of Holland - it's a fun city to be in! Also, living so close to my school will allow me to be a more active member of the community and show support for my students outside of the classroom.” - Christine Boatman, Cycle 1 Teachers Live Here Grant Awardee
More information about the program, eligibility requirements, and an application for Teachers Live Here are available at www.teacherslivehere.org. HPS Administrators and members of the Holland Educational Foundation meet each month to review applications.