The Chautauqua Home Rehabilitation and Improvement Corporation is inviting first-time homebuyers to attend classes to help them purchase homes.

All classes are held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Classes that will be offered in English are as follows:

¯ Saturday, Feb. 22, in the CHRIC offices in the former Mayville Central School building, 2 Academy St, Mayville;

¯ Saturday, March 21, in the State University at Fredonia Technology Incubator, 214 Central Ave., Dunkirk; and

¯ Saturday, May 16, at the Jamestown Renaissance Corp., 301 E. Second St., Suite 301, Jamestown.

There will also be a class offered in Spanish from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on:

¯ Saturday, April 25, in the State University at Fredonia Technology Incubator, 214 Central Ave., Dunkirk.

At the classes, Mayra Agosto-Fred, CHRIC’s homeownership program manager, will outline the requirements to participate in the program.

The First Time Homebuyer Education Program includes a combination of group classes and individual counseling sessions introducing participants to a detailed review of the mechanics of the home purchase process. Participants will learn about affordable mortgage products, including any down-payment and/or closing cost assistance programs for which they may qualify, budgeting, savings, resolving credit issues, identifying a house, negotiating the contract, obtaining financing, preparing for closing, and life as a homeowner.

“Homeownership in the City of Dunkirk” is sponsored by the city of Dunkirk and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant Program with support from Lake Shore Savings Bank, M&T Bank, Northwest Savings Bank, Community Bank, Bank of America and USDA. Dunkirk has set aside CDBG funding to help eight low- and moderate-income families purchase homes within the city. Households meeting eligibility and program guidelines can receive up to $4,000 in CDBG money for down payment and closing cost assistance when purchasing a home in the city.

“Homeownership is what the vast majority of Americans want to achieve,” Agosto-Fred said.

More information is available for the Homeownership in the City of Dunkirk first time homebuyer program by calling Agosto-Fred at 363-4180 or emailing mayra–fred@chric.org.

All individuals interested in becoming homeowners are welcome to participate regardless of income or residence.

Seating is limited. Pre-registration is required to secure a seat, which includes a $50 enrollment fee, by calling Agosto-Fred at 753-4180, or emailing mayra–fred@chric.org. The $50 enrollment fee is to cover the cost of a credit report, educational material provided and other program delivery expenses.

CHRIC also offers the education course online through eHomeAmerica for $100 a person.