Homeownership provides shelter and security to families, and fosters involvement in community life. Homeownership also provides important social and economic benefits.  United Way and our community partners can help you achieve your goal of homeownership by providing financial education, training and matching funds. 

IDA funds can be used for: approved pre-purchase expenses, financing or closing costs of a primary residence.

Can you tell me more about how the IDA program works?

There are 4 key steps to successfully achieving your homeownership goal in the IDA program:

• Step 1:  Attend an IDA orientation
• Step 2:  Submit a completed IDA application
• Step 3:  Get approved and save money in your IDA each month
• Step 4:  Complete required financial literacy and homeownership training

What type of training will I receive?

Homeownership participants are required to attend financial literacy and homeownership training that cover topics such as setting and reaching financial goals, developing and maintaining a household budget, and understanding credit and your credit score.

Homeownership Counseling:

• Learn if you qualify for a home purchase and how much house you can afford
• Learn where to get down payment and settlement help
•  Understand the settlement process
• Get tips for maintaining your household and learn how to avoid foreclosure

To qualify:  Your total household income (adjusted gross income, after taxes) cannot exceed 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Your household includes all adults and children who live together and share expenses — related or unrelated.

Participants in Habitat for Humanity automatically qualify for the United Way IDA.

Other eligibility criteria:

•  You must be a current resident of the 13-county United Way service area (refer to map)
• You must have a credit score of at least 580
• Must be a qualified first-time homebuyer.

Click here to request an application packet.