CANTON -- St. Lawrence County will hold a public hearing concerning the county's application to fund its Direct Homeownership Assistance Program (DHAP) at 5:40 p.m. today, Monday, Sept. 12 in the Board of Legislators Chamber in the County Courthouse, 48 Court St.

Staff from the County Planning Office will provide an overview of the Community Development Block Grant Program. The county's intent to apply for $850,000 to assist income-eligible homebuyers with purchasing their first homes will also be discussed.

The county’s Direct Homeownership Assistance Program (DHAP) helps low- to moderate-income households who are having difficulty saving to buy their first home. DHAP funds can ensure that the client household has a down-payment sufficient to qualify for conventional mortgage financing. CDBG funds can also be used to cover closing costs and some rehabilitation to the home as needed.

If the 2016 application is funded, the county expects that the DHAP will assist approximately 29 LMI households.

To receive financial assistance, participating households are required to attend classes to learn about household budgeting, the mortgage application process, the day-to-day challenges of homeownership, and caring for and maintaining a home.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday, Sept. 28.

Comments may also be emailed to Keith Zimmerman at kzimmerman@stlawco.org with the subject line "CDGB Comments" or sent by regular mail to the SLC Planning Office, 48 Court St., Canton, NY 13617.