Council Seeks To Support 'Helpers' In Berkeley

BERKELEY, NJ — Berkeley Mayor Carmen Amato and the Berkeley Township Council are supporting a federal bill that would assist first responders and teachers with getting affordable housing.

The Homes for Every Local Protector, Education and Responder Act of 2021, or HELPER Act, a bipartisan federal bill that would provide a VA-style home loan program to the "helpers" within communities.

The bill would provide 100 percent financing and eliminate mortgage insurance payments for a one-time home purchase.

Amato and the Council affirmed their support of this bill through a resolution at a recent Township Council meeting.

"The Mayor and Township Council support the intended recipients of the HELPER Act and supports and assistance they receive in recognition of their sacrifices and service," the resolution reads.

"This support and assistance would make housing more affordable to the 'helpers' within our community and would further serve as incentive to recruit and retain such workers for incredibly vital positions," the Council said in the resolution.