Section 8 Home Ownership Program

    The Rochester Housing Authority is offering a new Homeownership Program (for first-time home buyers) to Section 8 families. The program combines the resources of RHA'S Leasing Operations Department and its Family Investment Center in partnership with Providence Housing Development Corp.

   Upon becoming eligible for a mortgage and purchasing a house, RHA will make monthly mortgage assistance payments on behalf of the family. The amount of this assistance (similar to the rental program) is based upon the family's income and the relationship of this amount to the Payment Standard and/or the total monthly housing costs. If the term of the mortgage is 20 years or more, the family could receive assistance for up to 15 years. If the mortgage term is less than 20 years, assistance is limited to 10 years. Upon becoming a homeowner, the family is responsible for paying its portion of the monthly housing costs.

   In order to qualify for the Homeownership Program, a family must meet the following criteria. Where noted (*), these criteria do not apply to families where the head-of-household and/or spouse is disabled:

• The family must be a current participant in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.
• The head-of-household or spouse must be employed full-time (average 30 hours per week) for at
  least one year. *
• The family must have an annual income, excluding public assistance, of at least $10,300.
• The family must be enrolled in RHA's Family Self-Sufficiency Program with a goal of homeownership.*
• The family must meet mortgage eligibility requirements.
• The family must attend a Home Buyers Orientation.
• The family must complete Providence Housing's Home Buyers Workshop series or an alternative program certified eligible by Providence.

PROGRAM BENEFITS

• Family Self-Sufficiency supportive services
• Establishing good credit
• Planning your family's future
• Homeownership counseling services
• Permanent housing
• Assistance with monthly mortgage payments
• Financial security

 

OWNING A HOME CAN BECOME A REALITY....INSTEAD OF A DREAM

   For more information contact your Housing Specialist at (585) 697-6105 or RHA's Family Investment Center at (585) 697-1150.