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Ho-Chunk Nation Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Program

Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Housing — Home Ownership Division · Black River Falls, Wisconsin

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Assistance

$50,000

The maximum the program publishes — not an offer

Repayment

Forgivable

Forgiven after 5 years

What is Ho-Chunk Nation Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Program?

Ho-Chunk Nation Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Program is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, administered by Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Housing — Home Ownership Division.

  • Once-in-a-lifetime grant of up to $50,000 to enrolled Ho-Chunk Nation members for down payment and/or closing costs on new construction or existing home purchase. The member must secure financing for the remaining cost from an outside lender. Effective 07/01/2024 policy.
  • Grant up to $50,000 for down payment and/or closing costs; remaining funds may apply to principal or buy down points.
  • Funding comes from Ho-Chunk Nation tribal funds.

How much assistance does it provide?

Ho-Chunk Nation Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Program offers up to $50,000 in assistance.

  • Award tiers: Grant secured by a 5-year second lien. Forgiven $10,000 per year of owner-occupancy; if member resides less than 5 years, repayment prorated. Loan term: 5-year lien/forgiveness period.
  • The program can be combined with Ho-Chunk Housing and Community Development Agency (HHCDA) DPA of $10,000 or less.
  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Housing — Home Ownership Division determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Ho-Chunk Nation Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Program is forgiven after 5 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

  • Repayment is triggered by Prorated repayment if the member resides in the home less than 5 years; full repayment if member defaults or lender forecloses. Ho-Chunk Nation holds a 5-year second lien.
  • 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?

Ho-Chunk Nation Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Program is open to buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: No minimum credit score stated; applicant must obtain a lender pre-approval letter.
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through Approved Home Buyer Education class through Ho-Chunk Nation or a financial institution; approved Post-Purchase class required before closing.
  • Citizenship or immigration status: Must be an enrolled Ho-Chunk Nation member, 18 or older, legally competent.
  • Once-in-a-lifetime benefit; using DPA removes the member from HOP/VHOP/EMA waitlists. Applicant must have no outstanding debts to the Nation. Waitlist with Elder/Veteran preference; 90 days to close. UNCONFIRMED: income limits, max purchase price, min credit score, DTI, min contribution.

The program excludes

  • Manufactured 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?

Ho-Chunk Nation Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Program sets its income limit as follows: No income limit stated in policy; program is for income-qualified enrolled members per HHCDA materials but the HCN DOH DPA policy sets no explicit AMI cap.

  • 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?

Ho-Chunk Nation Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Program can be used for single_family.

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

Is there eligibility for specific groups?

Ho-Chunk Nation Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Program names veterans and American Indian and Alaska Native buyers among the groups it serves.

  • Being named here means the program mentions the group, not that membership alone qualifies an applicant — the rest of the eligibility rules still apply.

Where does it apply?

Ho-Chunk Nation Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Program serves buyers purchasing in Black River Falls, Wisconsin.

How do you apply?

Applications for Ho-Chunk Nation Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Program go through Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Housing — Home Ownership Division, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through Approved Home Buyer Education class through Ho-Chunk Nation or a financial institution; approved Post-Purchase class required before closing..

  2. Contact Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Housing — Home Ownership Division 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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