Kaitlyn Mulhern

Housing Our Workforce

Housing Our Workforce (HOW) offers grants to help homebuyers earning above 80% and up to 120% of the area median income with down-payment and closing cost assistance.

“By using HOW, a greater number of working individuals and families are able to purchase a home.”

Kaitlyn Mulhern

Homeownership Set-Aside Programs Manager

Eligibility & Terms of Funding

Members in good standing are eligible to receive up to the annual enrollment cap of $250,000* to help homebuyers who earn more than 80% and up to 120% of the area median income. As a member, you’ll find more information about home purchase price limits and HOW.

Training Materials

HOW training webinars provide details about the program application, enrollment, loan origination, and disbursement process.

Procedures & Requirements

If you are a member working with an eligible homebuyer who could benefit from HOW, be sure to review these important dates* and key application steps.

Looking for a form? 

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Are You a Homebuyer?

Homebuyers cannot apply directly to FHLBank Boston to participate in this program. If you are looking to purchase a home, please contact a member bank or credit you that has been approved to participate in this program.

view listof members approved to participate in how
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Frequently Asked Questions

If you are member or homebuyer and want to participate in this program, please review these frequently asked questions.

read faqs about housing our workforce
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Creating Opportunity

East Cambridge Savings Bank assisted a local couple with multiple jobs and two children with disabilities with purchasing their first home through HOW.

Read story about housing our workforce

Ready to Apply?

Members can log in and apply here:

Community Lending Login

* Effective 2025 there is a graduated member cap starting at $125,000 for the first two funding release periods. For the remaining funding releases, the member cap increases to a maximum of $250,000 (no member can reserve more than $250,000 for the program year).