Joseph P. Gresko

The Housing Advisory Panel voted on Friday to approve one-time grant funding awards as part of the Interest on Real Estate Brokers Trust Account (IOREBTA) Program, which includes $25,000 for Homes for the Brave.

IOREBTA Program funds annually support appraisal gap financing for first-time homebuyers, development of affordable housing projects, counseling for low- and moderate-income homebuyers, and second mortgage down payment assistance when the Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) Loan was suspended. The IOREBTA Program has also funded the purchase of mortgages from Connecticut chapters of Habitat for Humanity and other housing subsidies. This year's grant awards include help for intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) and Veterans' housing, low-income and affordable housing and homelessness assistance and prevention programs.  

This grant to Homes for the Brave will benefit their namesake program, Homes for the Brave (HFTB). With 42 beds available to men who are veterans experiencing homelessness, HFTB operates one of the largest transitional housing programs for veterans in Connecticut.

"This funding will make a significant impact in our community by helping address the urgent needs of those who have served our country. Homes for the Brave has been doing incredible work in providing a safe and stable place to stay, as well as comprehensive support services to Stratford veterans in need," said Rep. Joseph Gresko (D-Stratford). "Homes for the Brave is committed to helping veterans transition from homelessness to independence and this funding will further strengthen their efforts."

Rep. Geoff Luxenberg (D-Manchester), Co-Chair of the Housing Committee and the Housing Advisory Panel, added that "Rep. Gresko advocated for this money to help the Homes for the Brave and that's why it received this grant award because of his leadership and dedication to the community."