The Hammond Redevelopment Commission on May 20 approved two $10,000 conditional forgivable loans for first-time homebuyers.

The loans were approved for an applicant identified in the record as Natalie, described in the meeting as a public school teacher, and for a second applicant identified as Mr. Jimenez, who is buying property at 918 Willow Court. Redevelopment Commission staff informed commissioners both applicants met the program criteria.

The loan program was presented to the commission by staff, who said, “We have Natalie who is applying for the forgivable loan. She will receive $10,000 to purchase ... She is a, public school teacher.” At the meeting Natalie told commissioners she learned about the program from her lender; Mr. Jimenez said he learned about the program through his lender and his realtor and named American Portfolio Mortgage and realtor Alondra Lopez.

Commissioner Myricks moved to approve the loans; Commissioner Tomage seconded. The roll call vote was five in favor, none opposed, and the motion passed.

The record did not provide complete street-address details for Natalie’s purchase; the transcript identifies Mr. Jimenez’s purchase as 918 Willow Court. The loans approved were described as conditional forgivable loans intended to assist first-time buyers who live in Hammond and meet the program’s eligibility criteria.

No further conditions, repayment schedules, or program limits were discussed in detail during the meeting. The commission made no additional changes to the program during its vote.