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St. Joseph Housing Initiative Down Payment Assistance

St. Joseph Housing Initiative (SJHI) · St. Joseph, Missouri

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Assistance

$5,000

The maximum the program publishes — not an offer

Repayment

Forgivable

Forgiven after 5 years

What is St. Joseph Housing Initiative Down Payment Assistance?

St. Joseph Housing Initiative Down Payment Assistance is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in St. Joseph, Missouri, administered by St. Joseph Housing Initiative (SJHI).

  • St. Joseph Housing Initiative fully renovates homes and offers them exclusively for purchase to first-time homebuyers of low and moderate income who qualify for a mortgage. Each SJHI home comes with $5,000 of down payment assistance in the form of a 5-year forgivable loan, plus the Homeowner Readiness Academy, home furnishings through a partner organization, and ongoing support.
  • $5,000 down payment assistance as a 5-year forgivable loan toward the purchase of an SJHI-renovated home, plus homebuyer education and move-in support.

How much assistance does it provide?

St. Joseph Housing Initiative Down Payment Assistance offers up to $5,000 in assistance.

  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — St. Joseph Housing Initiative (SJHI) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

St. Joseph Housing Initiative Down Payment Assistance is forgiven after 5 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

  • Repayment is triggered by Sale or transfer / non-occupancy before the end of the 5-year forgiveness period.
  • The assistance is recorded in second position.
  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

St. Joseph Housing Initiative Down Payment Assistance is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A completed homebuyer education course
  • Assistance is only available with the purchase of an SJHI-renovated home. Buyer must be a first-time homebuyer of low/moderate income and qualify for a mortgage (SJHI does not finance the purchase). Completion of SJHI Homeowner Readiness Academy is required to purchase an SJHI home. SJHI is a faith-based organization but serves all backgrounds. Note: SJHI's mailing address is in St. Louis though it serves St. Joseph homes.

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?

St. Joseph Housing Initiative Down Payment Assistance sets its income limit as follows: Low- and moderate-income households (specific limits provided in SJHI 'How to Qualify' form).

  • Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

Where does it apply?

St. Joseph Housing Initiative Down Payment Assistance serves buyers purchasing in St. Joseph, Missouri.

  • The program gives priority to designated target areas, so the address matters as well as the county.

How do you apply?

Applications for St. Joseph Housing Initiative Down Payment Assistance go through St. Joseph Housing Initiative (SJHI), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program before funds are reserved.

  2. Contact St. Joseph Housing Initiative (SJHI) 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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