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CHRIC / City of Dunkirk Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program

Chautauqua Home Rehabilitation & Improvement Corporation (CHRIC) · Dunkirk, New York

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Assistance

$3,400

The maximum the program publishes — not an offer

Income limit

80% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Repayment

Forgivable

Forgiven after 5 years

What is CHRIC / City of Dunkirk Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program?

CHRIC / City of Dunkirk Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Dunkirk, New York, administered by Chautauqua Home Rehabilitation & Improvement Corporation (CHRIC).

  • In partnership with the City of Dunkirk, CHRIC provides up to $3,400 in down payment and closing cost assistance to income-eligible first-time homebuyers purchasing an existing 1-2 family home in an LMI census tract within the City of Dunkirk. Assistance is provided as a forgivable grant with a 5-year lien placed on the property, funded by HUD CDBG. Funds are disbursed directly to the buyer's attorney at closing. Application is first-come, first-served.
  • Up to $3,400 down payment and closing cost assistance.
  • 5-year forgivable lien.
  • Eligible for 1- and 2-family homes.
  • First-come, first-served availability.
  • HUD-certified housing counseling included.
  • This is a federal program, so it is available beyond a single state or city.
  • Funding comes from City of Dunkirk CDBG funds (HUD Community Development Block Grant).

How much assistance does it provide?

CHRIC / City of Dunkirk Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program offers up to $3,400 in assistance.

  • The program can be combined with other assistance, subject to the rules of each.
  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Chautauqua Home Rehabilitation & Improvement Corporation (CHRIC) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

CHRIC / City of Dunkirk Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program is forgiven after 5 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

  • Repayment is triggered by Sale, transfer, or failure to occupy as primary residence within 5-year lien period.
  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

CHRIC / City of Dunkirk Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program 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: Not owned a home in the three years prior to purchase
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through CHRIC 8-hour First Time Homebuyer Education Class (in-person or online via eHomeAmerica); Becoming a Landlord Class (required for multi-family purchases)
  • Residency: Property must be located in the City of Dunkirk within a 51%+ LMI Census Tract
  • DRAFT (dpa-gap-finder 2026-06-12): pending review. Property must be in a 51%+ LMI Census Tract in City of Dunkirk; signed Purchase and Sales Agreement required at application; closing must be scheduled at least 15 days after approval letter; no cash-out to buyer at closing permitted; two-family buyers must complete Becoming a Landlord class; Closing Disclosure required post-closing.

The program excludes

  • Manufactured homes
  • New construction
  • 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?

CHRIC / City of Dunkirk Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Household income at or below 80% of AMI; 1-person $49,600, 2-person $56,650, 3-person $63,750, 4-person $70,800, 5-person $76,500, 6-person $82,150, 7-person $87,800, and 8-person $93,500.
  • 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?

CHRIC / City of Dunkirk Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program can be used for Single Family and 2-4 Unit.

  • New construction is not eligible.
  • Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

CHRIC / City of Dunkirk Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program is a federal program, so it is not limited to New York.

How do you apply?

Applications for CHRIC / City of Dunkirk Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program go through Chautauqua Home Rehabilitation & Improvement Corporation (CHRIC), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through CHRIC 8-hour First Time Homebuyer Education Class (in-person or online via eHomeAmerica); Becoming a Landlord Class (required for multi-family purchases).

  2. Contact Chautauqua Home Rehabilitation & Improvement Corporation (CHRIC) to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through First-come, first-served, 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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