Washington, D.C. –– U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is introducing a bipartisan bill to help Georgia’s first responders and teachers buy homes in the communities they serve.
Today, Sens. Ossoff and Ashley Moody (R-FL) introduced the bipartisan Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder (HELPER) Act of 2025, which would establish a new home loan program under the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) for law enforcement, fire fighters, medical first responders, and teachers.
The HELPER Act would eliminate the upfront home purchase costs and the monthly mortgage insurance premium for those who serve our communities.
Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) co-sponsored the bipartisan bill.
“I’m working across the aisle to support Georgia’s teachers, first responders, and law enforcement officers by making homeownership more affordable for public servants who teach our kids and protect our families,” said Sen. Ossoff.
The companion bill is being introduced in the House by Reps. John Rutherford (R-FL-05), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-02), and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05).
Sen. Ossoff’s bipartisan HELPER Act is backed by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), International Association of EMTs and Paramedics (IAEP), and National Education Association (NEA).
“The State Lodge of the Georgia Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), officially supports and endorses the re-introduction of the “Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder (HELPER) Act.” This legislation will aid law enforcement officers who struggle to acquire resources to obtain affordable housing. The cost of housing inhibits law enforcement agencies when recruiting in many areas,” said Michael Callahan, President of the Georgia Fraternal Order of Police. “It has long been the position of the Georgia Fraternal Order of Police that law enforcement officers should be a part of their community, not apart from it. Ensuring first responders can reside in their area of responsibility is the cornerstone of community policing. We applaud our leaders who through bipartisanship can work together to make a difference in the lives of law enforcement officers.”
“This is timely and overdue and we commend Senator Ossoff and ask others to join with him in supporting this noble act,” said Georgia Federation of Teachers President Verdaillia Turner. “The HELPER Act is a tangible means of taking care of the men and women who take care of America.”
Sen. Ossoff’s bill is also backed by local leaders across the state.
“We continue to be grateful for Senator Ossoff’s support for Columbus. The bipartisan HELPER Act will assist us in addressing the housing crisis that we face in our community,” said Columbus Mayor B. H. “Skip” Henderson III.
“As Chair of Henry County, I am proud to stand in support of Senator Jon Ossoff’s bipartisan HELPER Act This legislation is a testament to the values we hold dear—compassion, community, and empowerment. By providing first responders, educators, and other public servants with the opportunity to achieve homeownership, the HELPER Act not only addresses the housing affordability crisis but also strengthens the very fabric of our communities,” said Henry County Chair Carlotta Harrell. “These individuals dedicate their lives to serving and protecting us, and it is our duty to ensure they can live in the neighborhoods they serve. I urge my fellow leaders and citizens to join me in advocating for this critical piece of legislation. Together, we can make the American Dream more accessible for those who dedicate their lives to making our communities safer and stronger.”
“Senator Ossoff has been a steadfast advocate for public safety, consistently championing initiatives that support first responders and strengthen the communities they serve. His commitment to addressing critical challenges—such as the housing affordability crisis—demonstrates his deep understanding of the barriers our firefighters, paramedics, and emergency personnel face daily,” said Columbus Fire-EMS Chief Salvatore J. Scarpa. “The HELPER Act is a game-changer for public safety professionals. By eliminating upfront home purchase costs and monthly mortgage insurance premiums, this legislation provides much-needed relief for those who dedicate their lives to protecting others. Owning a home in the communities we serve should not be an unattainable dream but a reality, and this bill makes significant strides toward that goal. I fully support Senator Ossoff’s leadership on this issue and his unwavering dedication to ensuring that our nation’s first responders, educators, and public servants have the resources they need to thrive. The Columbus Fire & EMS Department stands in strong support of the HELPER Actand looks forward to seeing its positive impact on those who serve.”
“The rising cost of housing has made it increasingly difficult for our teachers, first responders, and other public servants to live in the communities they serve. Senator Ossoff’s bipartisan HELPER Act is a critical step toward addressing this challenge by making homeownership more accessible and affordable for those who dedicate their lives to protecting, educating, and serving others. Eliminating upfront costs and mortgage insurance premiums will provide much-needed relief and help strengthen our communities. I fully support this effort and applaud Senator Ossoff and Senator Ashley Moody of Florida for their leadership in reintroducing this important legislation,” said Columbus District 4 Councilwoman Toyia Tucker.
“Ensuring access to affordable housing remains one of the most pressing priorities for city officials across Georgia’s 537 cities. Our teachers, first responders, and other public servants should be able to live in the communities they serve without the burden of rising housing costs displacing them. The bipartisan HELPER Act provides a practical and much-needed solution to help address this challenge by eliminating barriers to homeownership for these essential workers. The Georgia Municipal Association fully supports this legislation as it strengthens housing accessibility and affordability for those who dedicate their lives to serving our communities,” said Larry H. Hanson, CEO and Executive Director of the Georgia Municipal Association.
“Rising housing costs continue to pose a challenge for sheriffs’ deputies who work hard to keep our families safe every day. This bipartisan bill would help ease that burden and make it more affordable for law enforcement officers to live in the communities they’re sworn to protect. The Georgia Sheriffs’ Association is grateful to Senator Ossoff for his leadership in introducing this bill and we urge Congress to pass it,” J. Terry Norris, Executive Director, Georgia Sheriffs’ Association.
“The HELPER Act is a crucial step in supporting the brave men and women who serve as police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and teachers—workers who are struggling to afford their first homes despite their dedication to our communities. This legislation helps make homeownership more accessible for these critical public servants and provides local governments with an important tool to recruit and retain them. I’m grateful for the leadership of U.S. Representatives Rutherford, Watson Coleman, Garbarino, and Gottheimer, and U.S. Senators Moody, Ossoff, Cassidy, and Warnock in advancing this vital legislation,” said Samuel P. Royer, President of Salute Home Loans and visionary of the HELPER Act.
Sen. Ossoff continues working to support Georgia’s public servants and their families.
Last week, Sen. Ossoff introduced the bipartisan Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act to help first responders who are dealing with long-term mental health effects.
In 2022, Sens. Ossoff and Grassley’s bipartisan TBI and PTSD Law Enforcement Training Act became law to fund trainings for first responders, crisis intervention teams, mental health courts, and other programs that help law enforcement assist individuals experiencing mental illness.
Click here to read the bipartisan HELPER Act.
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