Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The UVA Community Credit Union is stepping up to support those who serve the community by offering a unique homeownership opportunity through its new Hometown Heroes program. George Ballew, Senior Vice President and head of the credit union’s mortgage division, joined Morning News to share how the initiative aims to remove financial barriers for local heroes. “The Hometown Heroes program…is designed in a way to help our law enforcement, professional educators, medical, Fire Rescue and the military…to buy a home without having a down payment.” 

Ballew, who has spent years in mortgage lending, emphasized the credit union’s mission to enhance community well-being and show gratitude to those who often struggle to afford homes in the communities they serve. “They’re generally not paid that much in order to be able to save a down payment,” he explained. “So, one of the ways…we thought about this program is how are we going to help our communities and our heroes to be able to afford a home?”  

Eligible individuals can apply online at uvacreditunion.org, visit a branch, or meet with a mortgage professional to learn more. The program has already made an impact, with Ballew noting, “It’s been very successful, and we’ve been able to help a lot of people to be able to buy a home.” The credit union hopes the initiative will allow frontline workers to live in the communities they serve and feel supported in return. 

Listen to the full conversation here: