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Homeownership Program (HOP)

SPHA's Homeownership Program (HOP) offers a pathway for eligible residents to move from renting to becoming first-time homebuyers.

 

FOR HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER (HCV) HOLDERS:

 

For families who are assisted under the Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and meet other eligibility requirements, the Homeownership Program allows you to use your voucher to buy your first home and receive monthly assistance towards homeownership expenses.

 

To participate, your family must: 

  • Join or be currently enrolled in the SPHA Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program

  • This requirement may be waived by the CEO in some individualized cases
  • Have a housing voucher issued by SPHA

  • Your family must be a participant in good standing in the HCV program for at least one year

  • Meet specific income and employment requirements

  • Your family must meet the Federal minimum income requirements

At least one adult family member who will own the home must be currently employed full-time and must have been continuously employed for one year prior to homeownership assistance, unless elderly or disabled

  • Be a first-time homeowner as defined in the regulation

  • Abide by any other applicable program guidelines

 

If you would like to learn more, please contact your Section 8/HCV Specialist. 

 

FOR PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENTS:

If you live in one of SPHA's Public Housing communities, the Homeownership Program offers homebuyer education and resources to you, helping to reduce roadblocks and prepare you to buy your first home. Eligible public housing residents participating in the Homeownership Program will receive all of the benefits of the FSS program, including the creation of an escrow savings account, and lender relationships. However, you will not have a voucher to use towards your mortgage.

 

If you would like to learn more, please contact the Social Services Department. (link)

 

NEXT STEPS

 

Once your homeownership program eligibility is determined by SPHA staff, you must attend and satisfactorily complete the pre-assistance homeownership and housing counseling program required by SPHA.

 

When the counseling program is complete, you will be ready to seek financing for the purchase of your first home from the lender of your choice. SPHA is also working in partnership with local banks, realtors, lenders, and mortgage brokers to help you reach your homeownership goal!