New Brunswick Affordable Housing Program Celebrates First Homeowners

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ (December 2, 2025) - New Brunswick Tomorrow and its sister organization, Hub City Housing, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 21 to mark the first two successful home purchases through the Esperanza Affordable Homes program.

The homes, located on Powers Street and Drift Street, represent the first subsidized affordable homes constructed for sale in New Brunswick in approximately 15 years. The program is designed to help first-time, low- and moderate-income homebuyers achieve the dream of homeownership, with financial support.

The Powers Street home also includes an affordable rental unit on the second floor, which will soon be occupied by a low-income family.

For the new homeowners, Jose Genao and Emanuel Molina, the event culminated a long and often rigorous process.

Genao, a factory worker who will move into the Powers Street home with his mother and brother, said he had dreamed of owning a home for 20 years but never thought he could afford it.

Molina, the new owner of the Drift Street home, admitted that he sometimes considered giving up because of the lengthy process, which included mandatory workshops and a state-guided selection lottery for qualified buyers.

Diana Diaz Tapia, the associate director of housing at New Brunswick Tomorrow, commended both men for their patience and commitment throughout the state-regulated process.

"Today, we celebrate the continued revitalization of this proud community and the new beginnings for the families who will call these houses home," Mayor Jim Cahill said. "Congratulations and best wishes to the new residents who will soon bring life, laughter and love into these newly-restored homes."