Critical Workforce Housing Assistance Program
The Prince George’s County Critical Workforce Housing Assistance Program is designed to help essential workers achieve first-time homeownership in the communities they serve. Administered by the Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), the program provides eligible homebuyers with down payment and closing cost assistance in the form of a zero-interest deferred loan of up to $50,000 or 25 percent of the home’s purchase price, whichever is less. By reducing the financial barriers associated with purchasing a home, the program helps critical workforce professionals establish roots in Prince George’s County while building long-term financial stability through homeownership.
Eligible participants of the Critical Workforce Housing Assistance Program may be able to leverage other homeownership resources, including assistance available through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Maryland Mortgage Program, further enhancing affordability and reducing barriers to purchase.
The program was created to support the recruitment and retention of the County’s critical workforce by making homeownership more accessible and affordable. Eligible participants may include educators, healthcare professionals, first responders, public safety personnel, government employees, and other essential workers whose contributions are vital to the County’s economic vitality and quality of life. As housing costs continue to rise throughout the region, many workforce households face challenges saving for a down payment and competing in the housing market. The Critical Workforce Housing Assistance Program addresses these challenges by providing meaningful financial assistance that helps bridge the gap between affordability and homeownership.
Beyond assisting individual homebuyers, the program serves as a strategic investment in the County’s future. Helping critical workers live closer to their jobs strengthens neighborhoods, reduces commuting burdens, supports local businesses, and promotes community stability. Homeownership also provides families with an opportunity to build equity, accumulate wealth, and create a lasting financial foundation for future generations.
Funded through the County’s Housing Investment Trust Fund and administered by DHCD, the Critical Workforce Housing Assistance Program reflects Prince George’s County’s commitment to expanding housing opportunities, fostering economic growth, and ensuring that the professionals who educate children, protect communities, provide healthcare, and deliver essential public services have the opportunity to live and thrive in the County they serve.
The program is part of the County’s broader housing strategy to increase homeownership opportunities, strengthen communities, and ensure that everyone has access to safe, quality, and affordable housing.
Specific information about the Critical Workforce Housing Assistance Program
| Program Feature | Critical Workforce Homebuying Assistance Program |
|---|---|
| Program Purpose | Help critical workforce employees purchase homes in the communities they serve. |
| Target Population | Critical workforce employees that are first-time homebuyers |
| Eligible Occupations / Groups |
|
| Income Limit | Up to 120% of Area Median Income (AMI) |
| Type of Assistance | Down payment and closing cost assistance in the form of a zero-interest deferred loan |
| Maximum Assistance | Up to $50,000 or 25% of the purchase price, whichever is less |
| Loan Structure |
- Zero percent interest - Deferred payment second mortgage - Forgiven 10% per year for 10 years (fully forgiven if owner occupies the home for the ten-year period) |
| Buyer Contribution | N/A |
| Homebuyer Education | 8-hour homebuyer education course required |
| Eligible Property Types | Single-family homes, townhomes, or condominiums located within the County |
| Purchase Price Limits | None |
| Occupancy Requirement | Must remain owner-occupied for the forgiveness period |
| Application Process | Must qualify through an approved certified lender |