Veterans buying in Oregon now have access to a major opportunity through Hacienda CDC’s new Down Payment Assistance Grant. This program supports first-time and first-generation homebuyers, helps close the affordability gap, and gives veterans a clearer path toward long-term homeownership.
Below is a complete breakdown of how the program works, what’s required, and how your clients can qualify — now supplemented with additional information available from public sources and similar grant-funded DPA structures.

Program Overview
Hacienda CDC’s Veteran Down Payment Assistance Program provides $30,000 to $60,000 in grant funds toward a home purchase. These funds do not need to be repaid, as long as the buyer meets the basic program requirements.
This program is funded through Oregon Housing & Community Services (OHCS) via the First-Generation Homebuyer Assistance Program, with specific allocation for veterans. Its purpose is to boost access to stable homeownership for communities that historically faced barriers.

Grant Amounts
Veterans may receive:
• $30,000 Grant — if the buyer’s parent(s) currently own or previously owned a home
• $60,000 Grant — if the buyer qualifies as a first-generation homebuyer (parents never owned a home)
Funds can be applied toward:
• Down payment
• Closing costs
• Rate buydowns
• Prepaids and reserves (depending on lender guidelines)
These funds significantly strengthen offer terms and often remove the need for any additional cash to close.

Repayment & Forgiveness Rules
Hacienda’s allocation is structured as a grant, not a loan.
However, based on OHCS guidelines and other First-Gen programs in Oregon:
Typical conditions include:
• A required owner-occupancy period, commonly 3–10 years, depending on funding source
• If the buyer sells, moves out, or refinances into a non-owner-occupied loan before the minimum period, a portion of the grant may need to be repaid
• If the buyer stays in the home for the required period, the grant is fully forgiven
Hacienda is still clarifying their exact occupancy term, but online program documentation suggests a structure very similar to other OHCS-backed grant programs.

Lender Requirements
Veterans may choose any VA-approved lender.
There is no requirement to use a partner lender or specific underwriting channel.
This gives buyers the freedom to:
• Use their preferred VA lender
• Shop interest rates
• Maintain existing lending relationships
Grant funds are layered on top of the VA loan — the strongest financing tool available to veteran buyers.

Income Requirements (100% AMI or Below)
Buyers must earn 100% or less of Area Median Income (AMI) for their county.
Example for Portland–Vancouver–Hillsboro MSA, based on HUD’s 2025 AMI table:
• 1-person household: $86,870 max
• 2-person household: $99,280 max
• 3-person household: $111,690 max
• 4-person household: $124,100 max
Source: 2025 HUD Income Limits and Portland Housing Bureau AMI Schedule.

Income calculation rules:
• All adults in the household with income must be counted
• Year-to-date paystubs are used for verification
• VA disability income counts
• Basic allowance benefits (for non-active duty veterans) may count depending on source
• A DD214 is required to verify veteran status

Property Requirements
The program is designed to be flexible and accessible:
Eligible properties:
• Single-family homes
• Condos
• Townhomes
• Manufactured homes on owned land
• 1–4 unit residential properties
Additional notes from OHCS & Hacienda guidance online:
• Homes must meet VA’s Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs)
• Buyers must occupy the property as their primary residence
• No program-specific purchase price cap has been published
• New construction is allowed if it meets VA financing standards

Buyer Eligibility Requirements
Veterans must meet the following criteria:
• Income at or below 100% AMI
• Currently receiving VA benefits or providing DD214
• First-time homebuyer (no ownership in the last 3 years)
• Purchasing in Oregon
• Not on active-duty orders
• If applying for the $60k tier: must qualify as a first-generation homebuyer
“First-time homebuyer” uses the HUD/FHA definition:
No ownership interest in a primary residence during the past 3 years.

Occupancy Requirements
While Hacienda is still finalizing the exact term, similar OHCS-backed programs require:
• Owner occupancy for at least 5 years
• No renting out the home during the occupancy period
• No converting to an investment property
If a buyer moves out early, partial repayment may be triggered. When the term ends, the grant becomes fully forgiven.

Timeline & Contract Rules
No waiting period is required before funds are approved.
In fact, Hacienda prefers buyers to receive their Award Letter before going under contract. This strengthens negotiations and avoids delays during escrow.
Typical timeframes:
• Intake to award approval: 2–4 weeks
• Counseling requirement: 1–2 sessions
• Document verification: as fast as paystub submission allows

The Step-by-Step Application Process
Here’s what the full journey looks like:
1. Courtesy Intro Call
Hacienda explains the program, screens for basic eligibility, and confirms income and veteran status appear to meet program rules.
2. Buyer Submits Documents
• DD214
• Recent paystubs
• Photo ID
• Any additional income documentation
3. Submit Application + $75 Fee
This opens the official case file and starts the verification process.
4. Intake Appointment
A financial coach meets with the buyer, reviews income, budget, credit, and confirms eligibility.
5. Counseling & Approval
Once verified, Hacienda issues a grant award letter buyers can use when writing offers.
6. Funds Released at Closing
Grant funds are wired directly to escrow and applied to the buyer’s closing costs and/or down payment.

Why This Program Matters for Veterans
VA loans already eliminate the down payment hurdle.
But closing costs, prepaid taxes, rate buydowns, and reserves still create barriers.
A $30k–$60k grant can:
• Cover all closing costs
• Reduce the buyer’s rate significantly
• Increase affordability
• Make VA offers more competitive
• Reduce or eliminate funds needed at closing
For many veterans, this program is the missing piece that makes homeownership finally attainable.

Want Help Navigating This Program?
I walk veterans through VA homebuying  every day. If you want to explore qualification or start the process with Hacienda CDC, I’m ready to help you get it done the right way.