Pokagon Band Down Payment Assistance Program

What is Pokagon Band Down Payment Assistance Program?

Pokagon Band Down Payment Assistance Program is a grant for homebuyers in Dowagiac, Michigan, administered by Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, Department of Housing & Community Development.

• The Pokagon Band Department of Housing & Community Development provides down payment and closing-cost assistance for eligible enrolled Pokagon Band citizens to purchase a home within the Tribe's Ten-County Service Area. Assistance is the lesser of 20% of purchase price or $30,000, plus up to $2,500 toward closing costs. Applicants need a 620+ credit score, must complete homeownership classes, pass a Housing inspection, and use a 15- or 30-year fixed loan.
• Up to $30,000 (20% of price) down payment assistance.
• Up to $2,500 closing-cost assistance.
• For enrolled Pokagon Band citizens.
• Pairs with Section 184 loan guarantee.
• Homeownership counseling included.
• This is a federal program, so it is available beyond a single state or city.
• Funding comes from NAHASDA / Indian Housing Block Grant (HUD ONAP).

How much assistance does it provide?

Pokagon Band Down Payment Assistance Program offers up to $30,000 in assistance.

• The program can be combined with May be paired with the Pokagon Band 184 Loan Program (HUD Section 184 guarantee).
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, Department of Housing & Community Development determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Pokagon Band Down Payment Assistance Program is structured as a grant, so it is not repaid.

• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Pokagon Band Down Payment Assistance Program is open to buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

Pokagon Band Down Payment Assistance Program sets its income limit as follows: Must fall within HUD income-limit guidelines (program page cites guidelines updated 10/14/2025).

• The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
• 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?

Pokagon Band Down Payment Assistance Program can be used for Single Family.

Is there eligibility for specific groups?

Pokagon Band Down Payment Assistance Program names American Indian and Alaska Native buyers among the groups it serves.

• Being named here means the program mentions the group, not that membership alone qualifies an applicant — the rest of the eligibility rules still apply.

Where does it apply?

Pokagon Band Down Payment Assistance Program is a federal program, so it is not limited to Michigan.

• The program targets specific areas: Pokagon Band Ten-County Service Area (4 MI counties + 6 IN counties).

How do you apply?

Applications for Pokagon Band Down Payment Assistance Program go through Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, Department of Housing & Community Development, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

1. 1

   Take a homebuyer education course

   Required by the program, through Pokagon Band homeownership classes (Department of Housing & Community Development).

2. 2

   Contact Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, Department of Housing & Community Development to reserve funds

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

3. 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.