Housing Resources & Assistance

Housing Assistance Resources

Congressman Hank Johnson's office is committed to ensuring that our community has access to safe, affordable housing. Below are key programs and resources available to support homeowners, homebuyers, and individuals facing housing difficulties.

Georgia Dream Homeownership Program

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) offers the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program, which provides down payment assistance and affordable mortgage financing to eligible first-time homebuyers, public service workers, and individuals with disabilities.

Eligibility Criteria:

Household income must be within program limits.
Liquid assets cannot exceed $20,000 or 20% of the sales price (whichever is greater).
Must meet mortgage loan credit requirements.

Down Payment Assistance (Effective February 8, 2024):

Standard: 5% of the property purchase price or a maximum of $10,000 (whichever is less). Available to all eligible homebuyers.
Protectors, Educators & Nurses (PEN): 6% of the property purchase price or a maximum of $12,500 (whichever is less). Available to public protectors, educators, healthcare providers, and active military.
CHOICE: 6% of the property purchase price or a maximum of $12,500 (whichever is less). Available to homebuyers with a family member living with a disability.

For more details and to check eligibility, visit the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program.

Mortgage Assistance Program (HAF)

The Mortgage Assistance Program (also known as the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF)) provides financial relief to homeowners struggling with mortgage payments due to financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible homeowners can receive a one-time payment of up to $50,000 directly to their lender or servicer to bring their mortgage current.

For more details, visit the Mortgage Assistance Program (HAF).

Georgia Mortgage Assistance Refinance Loan Program

The Georgia Mortgage Assistance Refinance Loan Program is a limited funding loan program administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Loans will be funded through the Georgia Housing Finance Authority Affordable Housing Inc. and serviced by State Home Mortgage.

Key Features:

Consolidates eligible mortgage loans into a single monthly payment.
Escrow is required during the refinance process.
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) loans are not included in the refinance program and will remain active with payments due.

Loan Specifications:

Type: Conventional loan
Interest Rate: Fixed at 3%
Term: Up to 40 years, based on affordability

Eligibility Requirements:

Home purchase date: Home must have been purchased before 2020.
Title: Home must be titled only in the names of the homeowner(s) living in the home.
Ownership of additional property: Homeowner and spouse cannot own any other residential property.
Mortgage loan balance: The total mortgage loan balance must be $350,000 or less.
Conforming loan amount: The mortgage must have met the conforming amount at the time of purchase or the most recent refinance.
Loan servicing: Mortgage loans must be owned and/or serviced by a bank, credit union, or NMLS licensed/registered non-profit lender.
No HELOC, unless in first lien position: The home cannot have a HELOC, unless it is in the first lien position.
Income limits: The current household income must not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income for the county of residence.
Affordability: The borrower’s income must support the new mortgage payments at an affordable payment ratio.

For more information and to apply, visit the Georgia Mortgage Assistance Refinance Loan Program or contact customer service at 1-877-519-4443.

Issues: Consumer Protection Housing