Featured Member: AHEAD
Featured member AHEAD (Affordable Housing, Education & Development) continues to lead the charge in addressing one of the region’s most pressing challenges: affordable housing. As a long-standing and deeply rooted organization in northern New Hampshire, AHEAD is tackling housing insecurity with innovative solutions that support both renters and aspiring homeowners, as well as those willing to become part of the housing solution.
AHEAD’s Pathways to Homeownership Program
One of AHEAD’s most impactful initiatives is the Pathways to Homeownership program, which provides forgivable down payment assistance grants to income-eligible households. Executive Director Harrison Kanzler explains that this initiative targets members of the local workforce who do not currently own property and earn at or below 120% of the area median income (AMI). For a household of four in Grafton County, that figure can reach approximately $130,000.
Qualifying buyers can receive up to $20,000 in down payment assistance, roughly 5% of a $400,000 home purchase price, helping them achieve homeownership without the financial strain of a zero-down mortgage. As Kanzler emphasizes, this isn’t a loan; it’s a forgivable grant. If the homeowner stays in the property for five years, the grant does not need to be repaid. Even if the home is sold or refinanced earlier, the repayment is prorated.
“Ultimately, this is our way of saying, ‘Welcome home,’” says Kanzler.
In addition to financial support, participants must complete AHEAD’s homebuyer education course, which not only prepares them for the responsibilities of homeownership but can also open doors to additional funding sources. Kanzler notes that some households have received as much as $40,000 in combined assistance, thanks to AHEAD’s ability to layer funding programs.
Support for Local Landlords and Rental Housing
The other side of the Pathways program helps expand the supply of affordable rental housing. AHEAD offers grants of $15,000 per unit (up to two units) to landlords or individuals interested in becoming landlords. These funds can be used as a down payment on a new investment property or to rehab existing units, with the condition that the renovated units remain affordable for at least five years.
For example, if a landlord agrees to keep rents affordable (at or below 80% of AMI) they can access these capital funds to upgrade or finish previously unoccupied rental units. As Kanzler shares, two such units in Littleton were recently rehabbed and made available thanks in part to this funding stream.
AHEAD’s Broader Role in Regional Housing Solutions
While the Pathways program addresses immediate homeownership and rental needs, AHEAD is also engaging in long-term planning and partnerships. Kanzler notes the organization is currently in discussions with North Country Council, local banks, and the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority to educate communities and employers on housing issues and solutions. One of these forums will occur in partnership with the Chamber’s Morning Buzz program at the Littleton Community Center on June 10, 2025 from 9-11 am. RSVP here.
Larger-scale projects are also under consideration. One proposed development in Woodstock would add 60 new units of affordable housing. But at a cost of approximately $22 million, the challenge lies in finding collaborative funding sources. In the meantime, AHEAD continues to focus on small-scale solutions and education to build momentum and public awareness.
Upcoming Event: AHEAD’s Annual Meeting at The Rocks
Community members and partners are invited to attend AHEAD’s 2025 Annual Meeting and Celebration, which will be held on Wednesday, May 22 at The Rocks in Bethlehem, New Hampshire. This annual event is an opportunity to hear firsthand updates on AHEAD’s progress, recognize community partners, and learn more about how to get involved in solving the North Country’s housing challenges.
For more information, visit AHEAD’s website at www.homesahead.org.
