Affordable Homeownership

Owning your own home shouldn’t be just a dream — and it may be closer than you think. Multiples agencies and nonprofits in Centre County and across Pennsylvania offer assistance to first-time home buyers and low-to-moderate-income families. Here are some programs that can help you reach your goal of homeownership.

Borough of State College

The State College Borough runs a First-Time Home Buyer Program that includes mortgage and closing cost assistance to both moderate and lower-income families as well as free home buyer education and budget counseling to help you every step of the way.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County constructs quality houses that are sold to homebuyer families through no-profit, no-interest loans. Home buyers complete 350 sweat-equity hours and other requirements, pay for their homes and all upkeep and maintain current payments on their properties.

Housing Transitions

Housing Transitions (HT) is an independent, nonprofit organization providing housing programs and supportive services to those in need throughout Centre County. HT offers multiple programs including emergency housing services, first-time home-buyer assistance, transitional housing and an emergency food pantry.

Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) works to provide affordable homeownership and rental apartment options for senior adults, low- and moderate-income families and people with special housing needs. PHFA also promotes economic development across the state.

USDA Rural Development (formerly Farmers Home Administration)

USDA provides homeownership opportunities to rural Americans as well as home renovation and repair programs. USDA also provides financing to elderly, disabled or low-income rural residents in multi-unit housing complexes to ensure that they are able to make rent payments.

State College Community Land Trust

The State College Community Land Trust (SCCLT) assists individuals, couples and families to buy affordable homes in the State College Borough through a shared equity model — you lease the house but the land trust keeps ownership of the land it’s on.

Centre County Housing and Land Trust

The Centre County Housing and Land Trust (CCHLT) develops and preserves affordable homeownership opportunities through the stewardship of resale-restricted, owner-occupied housing in Centre County. CCHLT also offers financial counseling and homeownership education.

Centre County First-Time Home Buyer Program

Individuals and families buying a house in Centre County may qualify for down payment and closing cost assistance through the First-Time Home Buyer Program offered by the county’s commissioners and partner banks.