Tennessee educators seeking to purchase a home may now have access to additional financial assistance through the Tennessee Housing Development Agency‘s (THDA) Homeownership for Heroes Program, which has recently expanded eligibility to include K-12 teachers.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is partnering with THDA to host a virtual information session on June 17 to provide details about the program and its benefits for educators and other eligible public servants.
The Homeownership for Heroes Program offers qualified participants up to $15,000 in down payment assistance and a 0.5% reduction on the current THDA Great Choice loan interest rate. The initiative is designed to help teachers and other public service professionals overcome financial barriers to homeownership.
THDA representatives will discuss eligibility requirements, available benefits, and homebuying resources during the virtual session on Wednesday, June 17, at 11 a.m. Central Time (12 p.m. Eastern Time).
Professional Educators of Tennessee welcomed the program expansion, noting that housing affordability remains a significant concern for educators across the state.
“Economically thriving states like Tennessee are still struggling with making homeownership feasible for educators in the communities where they work,” said JC Bowman, executive director of Professional Educators of Tennessee. “State leaders don’t want teachers leaving for school systems in more affordable states or places when they are ready to purchase a home or plant their roots. Programs like this recognize the important role educators play in our communities and provide meaningful support as they build their futures in Tennessee.”
Bowman said Professional Educators of Tennessee has consistently advocated for policies that improve educator recruitment and retention, including efforts to address the rising cost of housing over the last two decades.
“Professional Educators of Tennessee continues to fight for educators by advocating for policies that strengthen the profession, improve compensation, and expand opportunities that help teachers remain in the communities they serve,” Bowman added.
The virtual information session is open to the public and will also highlight opportunities available to military members and veterans, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics, and state and local law enforcement officers who qualify under the Homeownership for Heroes Program.
Officials encourage teachers who are considering purchasing a home to attend and learn more about the resources available to support their homeownership goals.
Registration for the June 17 session is available online through THDA.
Virtual Information Session: Homeownership for Heroes
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. Central / 12:00 p.m. Eastern
Registration: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/TJs2SEbL5k
For more information about the Homeownership for Heroes Program, educators may contact THDA or visit the agency’s website. If you have questions regarding this event, please contact Junaris Abueg at mailto:junaris.v.abueg@hud.gov.
