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DPA Program

CHES, Inc. Down Payment Assistance Program

In Partnership with Health Forward Foundation

Turning Visions Into Keys

Credit & Homeownership Empowerment Services, Inc. (CHES, Inc.), in collaboration with the Health Forward Foundation, is offering $10,000 in Down Payment Assistance (DPA) to eligible first-time homebuyers. This initiative is designed to help make homeownership more accessible for low-to-moderate-income individuals and families in our service area.

To qualify for this DPA program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Property Location: The home must be under contract and within CHES, Inc.’s. KC’s service counties:
    • Missouri: Jackson, Platte, Lafayette, Cass and Clay
    • Kansas: Allan, Leavenworth, Wyandotte, and Johnson
  • Income Guidelines: As defined by HUD, total household income must not exceed 80% of the Median Income Area (AMI). Refer to the chart below for 2025 maximum household income limits:
      • Household Size 1: $62,400
      • Household Size 2: $71,300
      • Household Size 3: $80,200
      • Household Size 4: $89,100
      • Household Size 5: $96,250
      • Household Size 6: $103,400
      • Household Size 7: $110,500
      • Household Size 8: $117,650
  • First-Time Homebuyer: The applicant(s) must not have owned a home in the past three years.
  • Property must be owner–occupied. Rental or secondary homes are not eligible.
  • Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: Cannot exceed 45% of gross monthly income.
  • Loan Terms:
    • No second mortgage or forgivable lien is required.
    • The $10,000 is unrestricted and may be used toward down payment and/or closing costs.

To be considered for the program, applicants must provide the following:

  1. Income Verification: Two most recent pay stubs for all loan applicants and any household member over the age of 18.
  2. First-Time Homebuyer Education Certificate: Completion of a HUD-approved course (offered by CHES, Inc. or other approved providers, including online options through eHome America).
  3. Loan Application (Form 1003): Full review of application, listed debts, and supporting information.
  4. Signed Household Member Certification: Listing all individuals who will reside in the home (e.g., spouse/partner, children, extended family), signed by the applicant.
  5. Demographic Data: Required for grant and reporting purposes.
  6. Homeownership Impact Form: To support ongoing funding and program evaluation (submitted after closing).
  • Review Period: CHES, Inc. will issue an approval or denial within five (5) business days of receiving a complete application package.
  • Approval Validity: Approval letters are valid for 60 days from the date of approval (not from the application submission date).
  • Closing Process:
    • Lenders must submit the Closing Disclosure (CD) for review prior to closing.
    • CHES, Inc. will coordinate with the title company to ensure funds are wired for closing day.
    • If the closing date changes or the contract is canceled, the applicant or lender must notify CHES, Inc. immediately.
    • Post-closing, the wire receipt or confirmation of payment must be submitted to CHES, Inc.

Approximately one month after closing, CHES, Inc. will follow up with the buyer to gather information about the impact of homeownership. This follow-up is essential for reporting and funding requirements. Upon completion, CHES, Inc. will formally close the file.

Down Payment Assistance Program Forms

Mortgage Lender Agreement
Demographic Information
Household Members Certification

Please submit completed documents via email to dpassistance@chesinc.org.