ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando leaders say they want first responders to live in the communities they serve, and now they are taking a step toward that goal in Parramore.

The city is preparing to sell eight newly built homes with down payment assistance available to qualified buyers. First responders can receive additional help, including an extra $10,000, as part of the effort.

What You Need To Know

Orlando is selling eight new homes in the Parramore community with down payment assistance

First responders can receive an additional $10,000 in support

A local fire lieutenant says he is considering applying for the program

Orlando officials say the goal is to build stronger connections between first responders and residents

For Orlando Fire Lt. Ronald Huguenin, helping people is part of his everyday job.

“The opportunity to go and make a difference in people’s lives. It’s never the same thing every day, so it’s always something new,” he said.

But when his shift ends, he does not go home to the community he serves.

Huguenin lives in Sanford and drives about 25 miles to work each day, a situation that many first responders experience.

“It’s just due to being priced out in an area which they serve,” he said.

Orlando officials said the new homes program was created to help change that.

The program is not just about homeownership, but about building stronger connections between first responders and the communities they serve, officials said.

“The community can benefit from having maybe a firefighter, maybe a paramedic, maybe a police officer just as one of their neighbors, and really develop that bond, that connection and that community spirit,” said David Barilla, executive director of the Downtown Development Board and Community Redevelopment Agency.  

For Huguenin, it is an opportunity he is considering.

“It’s definitely something I would consider, and I think that it goes the same for everybody else within the department,” he said. “We already live here a third of our lives, so it only makes sense to make it full-time.”

Orlando District 5 Commissioner Shan Rose said the goal is to bring first responders into the community in a more meaningful way.

“They serve in this community, and they do a great job. So how do we make them a part of it?” Rose asked. “How do we bring the first responders who protect and serve our community every single day? How do we bring them here to really grow?”  

The homes are expected to be priced between about $365,000 and $380,000. Even with assistance, Huguenin said affordability is still a major challenge.

Applications are expected to open soon, and officials said they will watch closely to see how many first responders apply.