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RCLF Grow Homeownership Mississippi

Renaissance Community Loan Fund (RCLF) · Forrest, Harrison, Hinds, Lee County, Mississippi

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See what you qualify forOfficial program site →
Assistance

$10,000

The maximum the program publishes — not an offer

Income limit

100% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Repayment

Deferred

No payments until the home is sold or refinanced

What is RCLF Grow Homeownership Mississippi?

RCLF Grow Homeownership Mississippi is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Forrest, Harrison, Hinds, Lee County, Mississippi, administered by Renaissance Community Loan Fund (RCLF).

  • RCLF's Grow Homeownership Mississippi program provides $10,000 in 0% interest deferred down payment assistance to low-income homebuyers in Forrest, Harrison, Hinds, and Lee counties. Funds are secured as a subordinate lien deferred for the life of ownership, due upon sale, refinance of the first mortgage, or non-occupancy. Primary eligibility targets households at or below 80% AMI; an expanded tier allows African American households or buyers of properties in qualified census tracts at 81–100% AMI. RCLF is a NeighborWorks America chartered member, HUD-approved housing counseling agency, and Treasury-certified CDFI.
  • $10,000 deferred subordinate lien — no monthly payment.
  • 0% interest rate.
  • Due only upon sale, refinance, or non-occupancy.
  • Targeted to households at or below 80% AMI.
  • Expanded tier for African American households or QCT properties at 81–100% AMI.
  • Pairs with RCLF and MHC first mortgages.
  • Funding comes from RCLF CDFI funds; subject to availability on first-come, first-served basis.

How much assistance does it provide?

RCLF Grow Homeownership Mississippi offers up to $10,000 in assistance.

  • Award tiers: Tier 1 (Primary): household income at or below 80% AMI — all applicants in covered counties eligible. Tier 2 (Expanded): household income 81–100% AMI — eligible only if household is African American OR property is located in a qualified census tract.
  • The program can be combined with RCLF first mortgage products (Easy8/MHC, Trusty10/MHC, Smart7/MHC, RCLF InHouse); FHLB Dallas HELP (up to $20,000 additional) also available through RCLF.
  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Renaissance Community Loan Fund (RCLF) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

RCLF Grow Homeownership Mississippi is deferred, so no payments are due until the home is sold, refinanced, or the first mortgage is paid off.

  • Repayment is triggered by Sale of home, refinance of first mortgage, or borrower no longer occupies home as primary residence.
  • 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?

RCLF Grow Homeownership Mississippi is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — with exceptions: First-time homebuyer defined as no ownership interest in principal residence in prior 3 years. Veterans and buyers in USDA/HUD designated target areas may be exempt.
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: Must receive mortgage pre-approval from RCLF or Gum Tree Mortgage; specific minimum credit score not published on program page
  • Residency: Home must be located in Forrest, Harrison, Hinds, or Lee County, Mississippi. Must be primary residence and owner-occupied for the life of ownership.
  • DRAFT (dpa-gap-finder 2026-06-15): pending review. Borrower must use RCLF or Gum Tree Mortgage for first mortgage — DPA is not available through other lenders. RCLF performs income calculation internally. Funds limited and subject to availability (first-come, first-served). Veterans and buyers in designated target areas may be exempt from first-time homebuyer requirement. The specific list of qualified census tracts for the 81–100% AMI tier is not published — contact RCLF at (844) 488-7253. RCLF NMLS #303219 (MS).

The program excludes

  • Households above 100% 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?

RCLF Grow Homeownership Mississippi limits household income to 100% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Primary tier: household income at or below 80% AMI. Expanded tier: 81–100% AMI for African American households or properties in a qualified census tract. RCLF internally calculates household income and advises the lender of applicant eligibility.
  • 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?

RCLF Grow Homeownership Mississippi caps the purchase price as follows: Not specified in published program materials.

  • Eligible property types include Single Family.

Where does it apply?

RCLF Grow Homeownership Mississippi serves buyers purchasing in Forrest, Harrison, Hinds, Lee County, Mississippi.

  • The program targets specific areas: Limited to four Mississippi counties: Forrest (Hattiesburg), Harrison (Gulf Coast/Gulfport), Hinds (Jackson), and Lee (Tupelo). Within those counties, qualified census tracts may allow expanded income eligibility for 81–100% AMI households.

How do you apply?

Applications for RCLF Grow Homeownership Mississippi go through Renaissance Community Loan Fund (RCLF), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Contact Renaissance Community Loan Fund (RCLF) to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through First-come, first-served; funds subject to availability; contact RCLF directly, and are subject to availability.

  2. 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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