EASTHAMPTON — Three first-time homebuyers in Easthampton could save $50,000 on their purchase through a new down-payment assistance program that’s debuting at a time when the demand for housing is high and homebuying is costly.

The funding comes from Community Preservation Act money secured by Valley Community Development as part of a program that designates mortgage subsidies to new homebuyers. The program has been previously offered in both Easthampton and Northampton, with this latest round of funding providing three $50,000 mortgage subsidy grants for a total of $150,000.

“Without support from these funds, most moderate-income buyers just can’t afford to buy in Easthampton,” Donna Cabanna, Valley’s homeownership program manager, said in a statement.

The average Easthampton home costs approximately $445,000 as of June, a 2.4% increase compared to last year, according to Zillow. In 2021, the average was roughly $340,000, a more than $100,000 jump. Zillow had 35 homes listed for sale as of June 30.

Cabanna said the funds will allow the buyers to lower their mortgage payment by roughly $300 a month, reducing the barrier of entry for buyers. Valley Program Director Sarah Sargent said a critical component of the program is that it also pairs the funding with homeownership education and financial literacy training.

“The rising cost of housing and everyday living has made homeownership increasingly out of reach for many low- and moderate-income families,” Sargent said. “This program helps bridge that gap by providing financial education, one-on-one counseling and down payment assistance, giving Easthampton residents the tools and resources they need to achieve and sustain homeownership.”

Applicants must meet certain criteria, including certain income requirements. Interested applicants can find more information at valleycdc.org/homeownership/easthampton-housing-subsidy.

SOUTHAMPTON — Select Board member Ellen DeBruyn has resigned her seat on the town’s chief executive body after a one-year stint, citing personal reasons.

“My resigning from the Select Board was entirely for personal reasons. I have nothing but support and admiration for the members who volunteer their time, year-after-year,” DeBruyn said in an email to the Gazette.

DeBruyn was elected for a two-year term at the 2025 town election last year, serving for just more than a year. At that time, she became the fourth representative on the five-member board, until two new members — Doug Hamel and Charlie Kaniecki — were elected this May, filling the empty seats.

The board will be back down to four members again for the time being. Select Board Chair Christine Fowles said a question to elect a new member may be placed on the state election ballot this November.

Fowles thanked DeBruyn for her service at a recent Select Board meeting. “I regret to see her go,” she said. “She’s put in a good year on Select Board and has been a very important liaison to many committees.”

DeBruyn said her resignation “in no way” reflects on the other board members or Town Administrator Scott Szczebak, who she said, “does a tremendous and often thankless job supporting and directing the work of the board.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have served, even for just a short term,” DeBruyn wrote. “I learned a tremendous amount about how this town works, and am very thankful for the support I received.”

DeBruyn encouraged anyone that questions the board’s transparency to get involved to help support, “the work and vision that it takes to keep this community moving forward in these difficult times.”

EASTHAMPTON — The Fire Department will host an open house on Tuesday, July 14, welcoming residents of all ages to tour the Fire Station, meet firefighters and learn more about the department’s mission, equipment and services.

Visitors can tour the station in the Public Safety Building at 32 Payson Ave. during the open house that runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Visitors will get to see the department’s fire engines, rescue vehicles and aerial ladder truck, explore firefighter emergency equipment, and meet firefighters and emergency personnel.

“Our open house is a chance to welcome the community into our fire station, showcase the work we do and strengthen the relationship between our department and the residents we serve,” Fire Chief Christopher Norris said in a statement. “We look forward to seeing families, neighbors and friends come together for an enjoyable evening of fun, education and community spirit.”

The evening will also feature several family-friendly activities, including free ice cream and a dunk tank, where community members can take their best shot at dunking some of their favorite Easthampton firefighters.

WESTHAMPTON — The Public Library is now offering free blood pressure monitors with cuffs for patrons to check out, as part of the American Heart Association’s national Library with Heart initiative.

Standard- and large-sized cuffs will be handed out with handouts and instructions on how to use them. Walk-in assistance will be offered at the library by Westhampton’s Public Health Nurse Lily Stafford the first and third Wednesday of the month from 10 to 11:30 a.m.