Phoenix— Two Arizona-based national organizations partner to increase homeownership access by supporting eligible first-homebuyers with down payment and closing cost assistance. CPLC and RDF unite to match forgivable funds up to $30,000, subject to program requirements, in collaboration with the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco’s Workforce Initiative Subsidy for Homeownership (WISH) program.“The dream of owning a home can become reality when valuable resources like the WISH Program are available to the community,” said Patricia Duarte, CPLC Executive Vice President of Homeownership Initiatives. “CPLC and RDF’s partnership invests in creating an environment where sustainable, affordable homeownership flourishes in our neighborhoods.” The FHLB of San Francisco’s WISH program aims to help families overcome the most significant barriers to homeownership and build wealth through participating financial institutions, like RDF. A Community Development Financial Institution, RDF connected with CPLC to bring this funding opportunity directly to individuals they serve. For more than 40 years, CPLC has provided housing counseling services and recently began offering mortgage loans through the CPLC Home Lending program. “The WISH program empowers us to enhance CPLC’s home lending initiatives, expanding access to homeownership for individuals and families. At RDF, we are proud to partner with such a dynamic nonprofit to create better pathways toward sustainable futures,” said Annie Donovan, RDF’s President & CEO. “By working together, our organizations are building stronger communities through the power of homeownership.”

The WISH funds will be dispersed through CPLC’s Home Lending program.To qualify for WISH, individuals must:

• complete a homebuyer counseling program
• be a first-time homebuyer
• meet income eligibility guidelines and be at or below 80% of the HUD area median income
• contribute to the home purchase through savings or gift funds to obtain the matching grant
• open escrow on a home purchase transaction within one year of enrollment in the WISH Program.

“I am so thankful the WISH Program helped me achieve my dream and set an example of homeownership to my daughter. Our home will be at the center of creating many lifelong memories,” said Selena Gonzalez, a first-time homeowner through the CPLC and RDF WISH partnership. Funding is limited, but available on a first come, first served basis. For more information, potential first-time homebuyers may visit cplchomelending.org or call 602-805-8844.