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Story & Photo by JUSTINA RAMLAKHAN

For many working-class New Yorkers, the real estate market can be intimidating. With increasing rent prices and the possibility of owning a home more out of reach than ever, quality housing options seem few and far between.

That’s where the DC 37 Municipal Employees Housing Program (MEHP) steps in. The program was first established in 2006 to bridge the gap between members and available housing opportunities. The MEHP has seen a transition in its focus through the years as different market demands have emerged and the availability of assistance programs has shifted.

Under the current leadership of Housing Manager Daniel Tovar, the department’s goal is to educate as many members as possible about the life-changing benefits of owning a home. Despite the program’s name, the service is available to all DC 37 members.

“For us in the middle class, it’s an accomplishment if we’re able to save anything at all,” Tovar said. “By owning a home, our members are able to build equity and potentially change their lives and the lives of their children.”

Tovar brings more than 17 years of experience in lending and managing grants. Prior to stepping into his role in November 2023, he worked closely with the MEHP as one of its lenders and is familiar with the housing challenges faced by the DC 37 family.

The renewed MEHP offers one-on-one counseling, financial advising, monthly webinars, and referrals to external resources. The department boasts successes in aiding members at all points of the lending process, including pre-approval for loans, accepting offers, contracts, and closing.

The extent of the services offered by MEHP is not exclusive to members seeking home ownership. The scarcity of safe, affordable rental housing is a major topic of discussion between DC 37 leadership and elected officials. While the City of New York offers limited resources for affordable apartments, the MEHP assists members with their search by providing access to useful information, including educational materials, links to the Housing Connect website, video tutorials for navigating the portal, and appointment request information for members who prefer to meet face-to-face with an HPD Housing Ambassador for help filling out the Housing Connect application.

MEHP provides support for members from start to finish with the intention of improving as many housing situations as possible.

“For many of our members, this is the biggest purchase of their lives,” Tovar said. “It’s a team effort to get to the finish line. In my role, I am not only a financial advisor, but also a counselor, advocate, and friend.”

Tovar’s responsibilities include walking individuals through the loan process, liaising with loan officers and realtors, and working to get members lending-ready.

“Loan officers focus their attention on a pipeline of loans that typically need to close within the next 30-45 days, so our job is to coach our members,” he said.

Having firsthand experience being a loan officer, Tovar aims to fill the gaps in education about lending to make securing a loan more accessible to members, while also teaching about the real costs of home ownership.

“What a lot of people don’t realize is that there are more expenses related to owning a home than just the mortgage payment,” Tovar said. “The cost of utilities, regular maintenance, and unexpected repairs are just some of the many expenses our members need to factor into their financing plan.”

MEHP is committed to assisting DC 37 members in their pursuit of new housing opportunities. Just this year, the program has helped more than a dozen members close on new homes and assisted approximately 24 members with qualifying for pre-approvals.

“I can’t tell you how scared I was when I started the home-buying process, because I had no idea what I needed to do,” said Candace Duval, a nurse at the Department of Health in Local 436. “I’m a first-time homebuyer, and with the help of MEHP and the exceptional people that are involved with it, I’m now a homeowner. The support that I received was spectacular.”

To make an appointment, contact the DC 37 Municipal Employees Housing Program at 212. 815.1814.