The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) is offering a homeownership opportunity with the help of a community investment grant from Capital One and the City Lights Partnership.

This is a work force housing initiative designed by RRHA and Capital One to help increase homeownership rates in the city of Richmond. This is an opportunity to own a home in Richmond, with up to $80,000 in assistance, in the form of a forgivable loan, funded by Capital One.

A forgivable loan means the homebuyer does not have to pay back this loan if he remains as the owner-occupant for at least 10 years.

The home is at 308 W. Leigh St. in a beautiful section of Jackson Ward, just a few doors down from historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and across the street from Abner Clay Park.

The 1,600-square-foot, three-bedroom, 3½-bath home is being completely renovated by ElderHomes Corp. with energy-efficient appliances and design features.

To qualify to purchase this home, the buyer must be a full-time city of Richmond employee, including law-enforcement officers, pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers or firefighters/emergency medical technicians.

An open house and tour of the home are scheduled for Saturday, April 12, 2008, at 308 W. Leigh St. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. as part of the City Lights Partnership second anniversary neighborhood celebration. (Rain date is Saturday, April 19, 2008).

For more information on purchasing this home, call the RRHA HomeCenter at (804) 780-4884 or e-mail homecenter2@rrha.state.va.us.