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Lincoln Central HOME Homebuyer Program (SIHCDC / City of Columbus)

Southern Indiana Housing & Community Development Corporation (SIHCDC), in partnership with the City of Columbus and the Lincoln Central Neighborhood Family Center (LCNFC) · Columbus, Indiana

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Income limit

80% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Repayment

Forgivable

Forgiven after 15 years

What is Lincoln Central HOME Homebuyer Program (SIHCDC / City of Columbus)?

Lincoln Central HOME Homebuyer Program (SIHCDC / City of Columbus) is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Columbus, Indiana, administered by Southern Indiana Housing & Community Development Corporation (SIHCDC), in partnership with the City of Columbus and the Lincoln Central Neighborhood Family Center (LCNFC).

  • The Lincoln Central HOME Homebuyer Program, administered by SIHCDC in partnership with the City of Columbus and the Lincoln Central Neighborhood Family Center, uses HUD HOME funds (via IHCDA) to help low- to moderate-income buyers achieve homeownership in Columbus's Lincoln Central Neighborhood. Assistance includes down payment and closing-cost help plus development or rehabilitation of quality, affordable homes sold to qualified buyers. Buyers must earn at or below 80% of Bartholomew County AMI, complete HUD-certified homebuyer education, and occupy the home as their primary residence through a 5-to-15-year affordability period.
  • HOME-funded down payment and closing-cost assistance.
  • Access to newly developed or rehabilitated affordable homes.
  • 0% interest, forgiven over the affordability period.
  • HUD-certified homebuyer counseling.
  • This is a federal program, so it is available beyond a single state or city.
  • Funding comes from HUD HOME Investment Partnerships Program administered through IHCDA; City of Columbus.

Do you have to pay it back?

Lincoln Central HOME Homebuyer Program (SIHCDC / City of Columbus) is forgiven after 15 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

  • Repayment is triggered by Sale or loss of primary-residence/owner-occupancy status during the affordability period (typically 5 to 15 years depending on amount of assistance).
  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Lincoln Central HOME Homebuyer Program (SIHCDC / City of Columbus) is open to buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through HUD-certified homebuyer education course through an approved housing counseling agency
  • Residency: Focused on homes in the Lincoln Central Neighborhood of Columbus, Indiana
  • DRAFT (dpa-gap-finder 2026-06-12): pending review. Specific assistance dollar amount is set per buyer based on need and IHCDA HOME guidelines (UNCONFIRMED max). Income and asset verification required prior to purchase per IHCDA HOME rules. Contact Diane Doup at LCNFC for eligibility, application, and current assistance amounts.

The program excludes

  • Households above 80% of area median income

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

What are the income limits?

Lincoln Central HOME Homebuyer Program (SIHCDC / City of Columbus) limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Household income at or below 80% of Bartholomew County AMI (HUD). Columbus, IN limits: 1-person $52,450; 2 $59,950; 3 $67,450; 4 $74,900; 5 $80,900; 6 $86,900; 7 $92,900; 8 $98,900.
  • The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
  • The program lists a maximum household size of 8.
  • Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

Lincoln Central HOME Homebuyer Program (SIHCDC / City of Columbus) can be used for Single Family.

Where does it apply?

Lincoln Central HOME Homebuyer Program (SIHCDC / City of Columbus) is a federal program, so it is not limited to Indiana.

  • The program targets specific areas: Lincoln Central Neighborhood, Columbus, Indiana (Bartholomew County).

How do you apply?

Applications for Lincoln Central HOME Homebuyer Program (SIHCDC / City of Columbus) go through Southern Indiana Housing & Community Development Corporation (SIHCDC), in partnership with the City of Columbus and the Lincoln Central Neighborhood Family Center (LCNFC), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through HUD-certified homebuyer education course through an approved housing counseling agency.

  2. Contact Southern Indiana Housing & Community Development Corporation (SIHCDC), in partnership with the City of Columbus and the Lincoln Central Neighborhood Family Center (LCNFC) to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.

  3. Work with a lender who handles the program

    Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

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