Blair County First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program

What is Blair County First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program?

Blair County First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program is a grant for homebuyers in Altoona, Pennsylvania, administered by Blair County Community Action Program (BCCAP) in partnership with the Blair County Department of Social Services.

• The Blair County First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program provides grants of up to $5,000 toward down payment and closing costs for income-qualified first-time homebuyers purchasing a single-family primary residence within Blair County, PA (including Altoona). A partnership of Blair County Community Action and the Blair County Department of Social Services, it is funded through the county's Affordable Housing Trust Fund (a recording fee on deed/mortgage transfers). Applicants must be mortgage pre-approved, meet HUD income limits for the Altoona MSA, prove 90 days of county residency, and sign an agreement to retain the property as their primary residence for at least five years.
• Up to $5,000 grant toward down payment and/or closing costs.
• no repayment if 5-year owner-occupancy met.
• free HUD-approved counseling, credit repair, savings, and budgeting assistance.
• Funding comes from Blair County Affordable Housing Trust Fund (county recording fee on deed/mortgage transfers); First-Time Homebuyer is an allocated line item ($50,000 allocation per AHTF records).

How much assistance does it provide?

Blair County First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program offers up to $5,000 in assistance.

• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Blair County Community Action Program (BCCAP) in partnership with the Blair County Department of Social Services determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Blair County First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program is structured as a grant, so it is not repaid.

• Repayment is triggered by Applicant signs a written agreement to retain (own/occupy) the property for at least five years; sale or failure to retain within that period can trigger recapture/repayment.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Blair County First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

Blair County First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program sets its income limit as follows: Household income must not exceed HUD income limits for the Altoona, PA MSA, updated annually. At launch (2018 brochure) approx: 1=$36,500; 2=$41,700; 4=$52,100 (then HUD 80% AMI). Current FY2025 HUD Low-Income (80% AMI) Altoona MSA: 1=$46,950; 2=$53,650; 3=$60,350; 4=$67,050. Confirm current tier with the agency.

• 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?

Blair County First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program can be used for Single Family.

Where does it apply?

Blair County First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program serves buyers purchasing in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

How do you apply?

Applications for Blair County First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program go through Blair County Community Action Program (BCCAP) in partnership with the Blair County Department of Social Services, 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 Blair County Community Action Program (HUD-approved counseling) — pre-purchase education, housing counseling, credit analysis, budget counseling..

2. 2

   Contact Blair County Community Action Program (BCCAP) in partnership with the Blair County Department of Social Services 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.