Eligible employees must rent, rehabilitate or purchase homes in the designated geographic area defined by East 79th Street to the west, Superior Avenue to the north, the Cleveland city line to the east and Buckeye-Woodland to the south. The district also includes a portion of East Cleveland up to Elberon Avenue and Roxbury Road.

This forgivable loan program aims to improve access to affordable housing, assist individuals in wealth building, reduce commute times and costs, and enhance quality of life by offering employees of eligible institutions an opportunity to live and work close to world-class cultural institutions and services. It also seeks to increase awareness of the incredible housing opportunities available in the area. To preview available housing, visit www.livecleveland.org/greatercircleliving.

Greater Circle Living includes

• Financial assistance
• Training for home buyers
• Help with the application process
• Education on housing options
• Assistance with budgeting/managing finances

Financial assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Families participating in Greater Circle Living remain eligible for housing assistance programs offered by the City of Cleveland and some other agencies.

For complete program rules, participating employers, and eligibility requirements, visit www.fairfaxrenaissance.org/gcl/gclOptions or call Fairfax Renaissance Development Corp. at 216-361-8400. Information is also available at the Living in the Circle Center, 11330 Euclid Ave., Cleveland (open in June 2008).

Greater Circle Living offers a $5,000 forgivable loan for down payment and/or closing costs for the purchase of an owner-occupied home by full-time employees of any nonprofit institution in Greater University Circle (see map).

Loans are forgiven if the employee continues to work for a participating Greater University Circle institution (see your employer for specific eligibility requirements) and continues to occupy the residence for five years after the loan closes.

Employees of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Museum of Art, Judson at University Circle and University Hospitals may be eligible for an additional $10,000 forgivable loan for down payment or closing costs for the purchase of an owner-occupied home, or one month’s rental reimbursement in Greater University Circle. Employees at these institutions currently living in the district may be eligible for up to $4,000 in matching funds for exterior renovations. Contact Fairfax Renaissance at 216-361-8400 or visit www.fairfaxrenaissance.org/gcl/gclOptions to learn more about eligibility requirements.

• Complete an inquiry form
• Attend a pre-purchase counseling session
• Obtain pre-approval
• Look for a new home
• Sign a purchase agreement
• Apply for Greater Circle Living funds
• Apply for a primary loan