Garbarino Introduces Volunteer First Responder Housing Act

Garbarino Introduces Volunteer First Responder Housing Act to Support Volunteer Emergency Responders

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (NY-02) introduced H.R. 8789, the Volunteer First Responder Housing Act, legislation to expand eligibility for qualified volunteer emergency responders to participate in certain federal housing assistance programs. The legislation is designed to help volunteer firefighters, EMTs, and other volunteer first responders achieve homeownership while strengthening recruitment and retention for volunteer departments across the country.

Specifically, this bill would expand eligibility for the Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development and the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program. The Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program assists approved lenders in providing loans to low and moderate-income households to build, rehabilitate, or improve a home in eligible rural areas, with an income limit of no more than 115% of the median household income. The Volunteer First Responder Housing Act would allow volunteers to participate in the loan program even if their income exceeds the maximum allowable income level by up to $18,000. The Department of Housing and Urban Development's Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program is an existing program that gives law enforcement officers, teachers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians a 50 percent discount from the list price of a home located in a revitalization area.

"On Long Island and in communities across the country, volunteer firefighters and first responders step up every day to respond to emergencies and keep families safe," said Rep. Garbarino. "These men and women give countless hours of their time, often putting themselves in harm's way, yet too many are being priced out of the very communities they serve. We should be doing everything we can to support those who answer the call. The Volunteer First Responder Housing Act will help make homeownership more attainable for these local heroes and strengthen the emergency services our communities rely on."

"I'd like to thank Rep. Garbarino for his leadership on this important bill," said National Volunteer Fire Council Chair Steve Hirsch. "Many fire, EMS, and rescue departments are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain volunteer personnel. Helping volunteer emergency responders buy or renovate homes is a fantastic retention incentive that makes it easier for volunteers to continue living in the communities they serve."

"Volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel provide a critical service to their communities with very limited or no compensation. Considering the nation's housing crisis, I thank Representative Garbarino for recognizing the dedication of the volunteer fire and EMS personnel and working to help them purchase homes in their communities," said Fire Chief Trisha L. Wolford, the President and Board Chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.