Teacher to HUD: No, Thank You

As a teacher, I was insulted after reading the Sept. 26 article headlined “HUD Program Will Help Teachers Buy Homes” by Lew Sichelman.

HUD’s program can help me if I am willing to buy a home in an area that is 1) located in the school district in which I teach, and 2) only if the area is targeted for redevelopment and/or revitalization.

Is it wise for me to buy a home in an area with large numbers of vacant properties and high crime rates?

I work at a school that has the lowest test scores in the district. The school also happens to be in a not-so-great economically distressed neighborhood. Is this the best HUD can do for me?

I am a female teacher with a husband who works nights to care for our young son during the day. If I did decide to take HUD up on this generous offer, I seriously doubt that I would be living next door to the police officer that this program was originally intended for. They are allowed to purchase homes outside the jurisdictions where they work.

TRACEY KOUNANIS

Reading Specialist

Tustin Unified School District