PHA Opening Doors to Affordable Homeownership Program (ODAHP)

PHA Opening Doors to Affordable Homeownership Program (ODAHP) is a second mortgage for homebuyers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, administered by Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA), Homeownership Department. The Opening Doors to Affordable Homeownership Program consolidates the Philadelphia Housing Authority's homeownership initiatives under its Homeownership Department: the Section 5h scattered sites program, the Housing Choice Voucher homeownership program, and newer financing options. Participants work with PHA's Homeownership Department to review their financial status, credit standing and household goals, and must complete approved homeownership counseling and financial literacy courses. Participants choose one form of financing support. A soft second mortgage of up to a maximum of $50,000 per household may be provided, provided that the household is not receiving other PHA homeownership assistance. In lieu of monthly voucher assistance, participants may instead take one-time down payment assistance up to a maximum of $15,000 per household. A lease to purchase option escrows a portion of the tenant rent during the lease period and applies it to the down payment at the time of purchase. Households may alternatively keep monthly Housing Assistance Payments for up to 15 or 30 years. PHA authorizes only the minimum amount needed to close the affordability gap based on individual household circumstances. Residents in PHA's homeownership pipeline are encouraged to enroll in the Turn the Key program, where PHA residents receive first preference for homeownership units built on land PHA transferred to the City Land Bank. Funding comes from PHA Moving to Work funding.

PHA Opening Doors to Affordable Homeownership Program (ODAHP) offers up to $50,000 in assistance. Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA), Homeownership Department determines any individual award.

PHA Opening Doors to Affordable Homeownership Program (ODAHP) is forgiven after 20 years, so a homebuyer who stays that long does not repay it. Repayment is triggered by Default that is not cured during the 20-year recapture period; the amount PHA recoups decreases 5% annually over the term. The assistance is recorded in 2 position. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

PHA Opening Doors to Affordable Homeownership Program (ODAHP) is open to first-time homebuyers. "First-time homebuyer" usually means not having owned a home in the last three years, but the program sets its own definition. A homebuyer education course is required. Residency requirement: Open to Philadelphia Housing Authority public housing residents and Housing Choice Voucher program participants. Participants must meet all program eligibility requirements, including successful completion of approved homeownership counseling and financial literacy courses. The soft second mortgage option is available provided that the household is not receiving other PHA homeownership assistance. Participants receiving down payment assistance or a soft second mortgage are not recertified. PHA staff work to maximize household eligibility for other non-PHA down payment and closing cost assistance. If demand exceeds available budget, PHA establishes a wait list based on date and time of application. PHA ceased new enrollments in the Public Housing Section 5h scattered-sites program during FY 2026.

PHA Opening Doors to Affordable Homeownership Program (ODAHP) serves homebuyers purchasing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Applications for PHA Opening Doors to Affordable Homeownership Program (ODAHP) go through Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA), Homeownership Department, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.