Teachers offered incentives to move into poorer communities

Chambers, a schoolteacher, bought a HUD home for $27,000

March 14, 2000
Web posted at: 8:13 a.m. EST (1313 GMT)

From Correspondent Kate Snow

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Department of Housing and Urban Development has a new program aimed at keeping good teachers in some of the nation's worst neighborhoods.

Unveiled on Monday, the program offers an incredible incentive for teachers to live in the community where they work: a house at half-price.

Alex Chambers teaches at Moravia Park Primary School in Baltimore.

VIDEO CNN's Kate Snow looks at a program that encourages teachers to live in the communities where they teach. Windows Media 28K 80K     MESSAGE BOARD Changes in education

Last fall, a friend called to tell him about a steal -- an old, five-bedroom house near his school. The stove was the only appliance in the place, but the house was still a bargain. Chambers paid $27,000 and plans to spend another $10,000 on renovations.

"I moved in about a week ago, and in that time everybody has found out I'm a schoolteacher," said Chambers.

He is a novelty in the neighborhood; one of the first teachers to test a new HUD program called the "Teacher Next Door."

In 33 states and the District of Columbia, state-certified, full-time teachers who agree to live for at least three years in what HUD calls "revitalization" areas can buy HUD-owned houses for half price.

Under the program, participants can make a down payment as low as $100 and the Federal Housing Administration can also insure mortgages that cover costs of rehabilitating homes in need of repair.

"HUD sells the home, the teachers get a financial incentive, the community gets a strong neighbor -- what could be better?" said HUD Secretary Andrew Cuomo.

About 8,000 to 10,000 homes in low- or moderate-income neighborhoods will be available for teachers. HUD took possession of the properties when previous owners couldn't pay the mortgage. That means the program costs taxpayers nothing.

About 8,000 to 10,000 homes in low- or moderate-income neighborhoods will be available for teachers

But the number of houses is limited, and they're not always the most desirable homes.

Charles Carter lives near two of the HUD offerings, and he said the neighborhood is controlled by drug dealers.

But Cuomo has high hopes. Three years ago, HUD started a similar program for police officers who agreed to live in struggling neighborhoods.

Since the "Officer Next Door" initiative began in 1997, HUD said, officers have purchased more than 3,300 homes.

"When you start to have one or two homes to come back, it starts to develop an energy in the community," said Cuomo.

Chambers loves his new home and the message it sends.

"Teachers just don't pop in from the sky, do their job and leave at the end of the day," said Chambers. "They share the same kind of life."

And sometimes, they even share the same neighborhood.

HUD remodels Web site, helps homebuyers online
February 17, 1999
HUD opens storefront office to give better service
May 6, 1998
Clinton To Launch Proposals To Boost Urban Development
June 27, 1997

HUD Web site
  • Teacher Next Door
  • Officer Next Door

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