June is HomeOwnership month!

​As we celebrate National Homeownership Month, we reflect on the vital role that homeownership plays in creating stable, thriving communities. At the Affordable Housing Centers of Pennsylvania (AHCOPA), we are proud to be part of initiatives that make the dream of homeownership a reality for so many families.

​One such initiative is the Neighborhood LIFT program, which offers down payment and closing cost assistance of $15,000 to eligible buyers. This program has been instrumental in helping first-time homebuyers overcome financial barriers and achieve homeownership.

Additionally, as a member of the advisory board for the HOME initiative, I am excited to see the City Council's recent passage of this program, which allocates $800 million to support the creation and preservation of 30,000 affordable housing units.  The plan includes investing in and expanding successful homeownership programs, which include the Turn the Key program, the Basic Systems Repair Program, and the Philly First Home Grant. These programs are critical in empowering individuals and families to build a foundation of wealth and stability through homeownership.

We are committed to helping more households achieve the dream of homeownership and continue to advocate for resources and policies that support affordable housing access for all. Together, we are building a brighter, more equitable future where homeownership is within reach for everyone.
​

Ken Bigos

Ken is the Executive Director of AHCOPA. Ken has been with AHCOPA since 2013 and also serves as the Chair of the Housing Counseling Action Committee, a coalition of Philadelphia’s housing counseling organizations. Ken is a HUD certified housing counselor and has a Master’s Degree in Social Justice from Loyola University Chicago.