Federal program offers home aid

Lower-income families would get up to $10,000 toward the cost of a new home under a new federal program.

The American Dream Program targets families that make less than 80 percent of their communities’ median income.

“Owning a home is a critical step toward future financial security,” said U.S. Sen. John Sununu, who announced the program.

Some housing advocates say they would prefer to use the money for existing programs that help people find and keep apartments.