Mayor Frank announced that the City of Pontiac will use Community Development Block Grant funds to launch a down payment assistance program aimed at helping more residents buy homes. "We are standing here today to announce the use of CDBG funds to help homebuyers afford home ownership," the mayor said during the event.

The program, city leaders said, is intended to expand access to homeownership, promote generational stability and keep families in Pontiac. "Today marks an exciting milestone for our community ... to launch the down payment assistance program," Councilmember Lelana Jones said, describing the initiative as part of the city’s effort to make homeownership "more accessible to the rest of the community." The city credited Tuesday Redmond for supporting the effort.

City officials introduced Dina Harris as the program partner. Harris, identified in the event as CEO of National Home Buyers, said her organization will provide homebuyer counseling and hands-on support: "We will figure out how to help you with so many different ways, not just buying a house, how to get financed, how to budget your money, understanding your credit, how to pick a realtor, how to shop for a home, how to apply for a mortgage loan, how to pick a bank, how to pick a lender." The city listed a contact number for residents interested in the program: (313) 255-9500.

An attendee at the event said the return of this funding to Pontiac was a long-awaited change, telling the gathering it was an "honor" to have the dollars back after they had been routed through Oakland County. City staff also emphasized the program will follow HUD rules tied to CDBG funding; an unnamed speaker noted the city will "be in HUD compliance of everything that needs to be done."

Officials did not provide dollar amounts, eligibility thresholds or an application deadline at the announcement. Residents seeking more information were directed to call the number provided or to follow forthcoming city guidance on program eligibility and application steps. The city said the partner organization will offer counseling and application support as part of the program rollout.