Neighborhood Finance Corporation
Journey to Homeownership (J2H)
Journey to Homeownership (J2H) Down Payment Assistance Program
The Journey to Homeownership (J2H) program provides educational tools and resources to support community members who are looking to become homeowners. The core part of the J2H initiative is a down payment assistance program. Our actions and work are in support of the One Economy Blueprint for Action.
Why J2H Matters
The One Economy report, The State of Black Polk County, highlights a significant disparity in homeownership rates for African American families. Many capable buyers are missing the opportunity to purchase homes in neighborhoods where they grew up, raised children, or have deep community ties — limiting the potential for generational wealth.
Community-Driven Funding
Neighborhood Finance Corporation has been awarded grant funds through the CDFI Fund, local community partners, and private donations to support the J2H initiative. These funds are dedicated to providing down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible homebuyers in NFC Lending Areas across Polk and Linn Counties.
To access J2H assistance, buyers must obtain a J2H Certificate and meet program eligibility requirements.
How the Program Works
The Journey to Homeownership (J2H) Program is an affirmative asset initiative for eligible homebuyers in the NFC lending areas. The program focuses on overcoming historical and systemic barriers to homeownership by providing down payment and closing cost assistance, combined with the intention of addressing other barriers through community partnerships.
This is a down payment program to purchase a 1–2 family owner-occupied home.
Eligible borrowers will receive a $10,000 or $15,000 deferred loan at 0% interest (.08% APR) that will have no payments and will be due on sale or with a cash-out refinance.
$10,500 available in NFC Lending Areas. $15,000 (instead of $10,500) available in Core Neighborhoods.
Borrower Requirements
The homebuyer’s first mortgage loan can be from NFC or an approved participating lender.
Loan amounts over $250,000 require loan committee approval
Household annual income below 100% of the area median income.
Complete a J2H class or attend a J2H event to receive a Journey to Homeownership Certificate from NFC or an Ambassador of the J2H program. Click here for more information on upcoming J2H events and classes
Attend 8-hours of homebuyer education through a partner HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency in addition to a J2H class or event. Click here for homebuyer education resources
Be approved by a participating lender for an eligible mortgage product and approved for the J2H down payment assistance deferred loan. Participating lenders are listed below.
Sign a purchase agreement on a 1–2 family home in the NFC Lending Area (recommend education and receiving a pre-approval prior to shopping for a home and signing a purchase agreement)
NFC Lending Area and Core Neighborhoods
Searchable Lending Area maps for Des Moines and Cedar Rapids are on the NFC website. The Core Neighborhoods are smaller parts of the Lending Areas.
CORE NEIGHBORHOODS OUTLINED IN RED
Core Neighborhoods
The Journey to Homeownership (J2H) Program is an affirmative asset initiative for eligible homebuyers in the NFC lending areas. The program focuses on overcoming historical and systemic barriers to homeownership by providing down payment and closing cost assistance, combined with the intention of addressing other barriers through community partnerships.
Participating Lenders
For more information, contact Bridgett Robinson (phone 515-273-1373), Community Outreach & Loan Originator (NMLS# 2244064).
Additional Resources
Links to resources that informed the creation of Journey to Homeownership.
This program is made possible through the CDFI Fund and donors to date: Wells Fargo Housing Foundation, MDRC at The Bridge, and private donations.Â
What is a Deferred Loan?
A NFC deferred loan does not have to be repaid until the home is sold, is no longer your primary residence, or in some instances, when the home is refinanced. There are no payments or interest, though you may choose to pay an extra amount on your repayable mortgage. A NFC Loan Originator can provide you with additional information. Click here for the deferred loan flyer. If you have questions about when NFC will subordinate a loan, please visit the Subordination Guidelines page of the NFC website.
Who Qualifies
Down Payment Assistance is available to buyers purchasing a home within an NFC lending area. Eligibility varies by program and may include income guidelines, occupancy requirements, and property location. NFC Loan Originators can help you understand which options fit your home purchase.
Programs Available
- Forgivable Down Payment Assistance
Support that does not require repayment when occupancy requirements are met. - Repayable Down Payment Assistance
Low-cost financing options that help cover upfront costs. - Partner Programs
NFC collaborates with local organizations to expand down payment support for qualifying buyers.
Ready to Get Started?
Our team can help you explore your options, understand eligibility, and begin your homebuying journey with confidence.
Contact an NFC Loan Originator today to get started.
Polk County
Bridgett Robinson
Community Outreach & Loan Originator NMLS #2244064
515-273-1373
brobinson@neighborhoodfinance.org