Chautauqua Home Rehabilitation & Improvement Corp. is inviting all first time homebuyers to attend one of four classes being offered.

All classes are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., classes that will be offered in English are as follows:

≤ Saturday, Feb. 22 at The Old Mayville School Building, at the CHRIC Office, 2 Academy St, Mayville, NY 14757.

≤ Saturday, March 21 at the SUNY Fredonia Technology Incubator, 214 Central Avenue, Dunkirk, NY 14048.

≤ Saturday, May 16 at Jamestown Renaissance Corp., 301 E. Second St., Suite 301, Jamestown, NY 14701.

There will also be a class offered in Spanish from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on:

≤ S’bado, 25 de abril at the SUNY Fredonia Technology Incubator, 214 Central Avenue, Dunkirk, NY 14048.

At the classes, Mayra Agosto-Fred, CHRIC’s homeownership program manager will outline the requirements to participate in the program and the benefits of becoming an educated homeowner.

The program includes a combination of group classes and individual counseling sessions, introducing participants to a detailed review of the mechanics of the home purchase process. Participants will learn about affordable mortgage products, including any down-payment and/or closing cost assistance programs for which they may qualify, budgeting, savings, resolving credit issues, indentifying a house, negotiating the contract, obtaining financing, preparing for closing and life as a homeowner.

“Homeownership in the City of Dunkirk” is sponsored by the city of Dunkirk and the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) with support from Lake Shore Savings Bank, M&T Bank, Northwest Savings Bank, Community Bank, Bank of America and USDA. The city of Dunkirk has set aside CDBG funding to help eight low and moderate income families purchase homes within the city. Households meeting eligibility and program guidelines can receive up to $4,000 in CDBG money for down payment and closing-cost assistance when purchasing a home in the city.

“Homeownership is what the vast majority of Americans want to achieve,” Agosto-Fred said. CHRIC’s Homeownership Education Program is designed to assist first time homebuyers in becoming mortgage-ready. More information is available for the “Homeownership in the City of Dunkirk” First Time Homebuyer Program by calling Mayra Agosto-Fred at the toll-free number: 716-363-4180 or you may email her at mayra–fred@chric.org.

All individuals interested in becoming homeowners are welcome to participate regardless of income or residence.

Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. To secure a seat you must register and pay the $50 enrollment fee in advance by calling Agosto-Fred at (716) 753-4180, or by e-mail: mayra–fred@chric.org. The $50 enrollment fee is to cover the cost of your credit report, the educational material provided and other program delivery expenses. Cost can be paid in cash, personal check or money order.

CHRIC also offers the education course online through eHomeAmerica for the cost of $100 per person and the same valuable information. It can be easily accessed, completed at your own pace and in two different languages, English and Spanish by visiting: www.eHomeAmerica.org/chric.

CHRIC is a non-profit housing organization who has been improving Chautauqua County’s Housing since 1978. As a chartered NeighborWork organization, they provide leadership in strengthening communities and creating affordable housing opportunities for low and moderate income families.