Housing Program Offers Down-Payment Grants

Down-payment grants of up to $4,000 are available to eligible first-time home buyers through the California Dream program offered by Affordable Housing USA, a nonprofit organization.

Grants are available for families that earn less than $60,000 a year and have credit that is acceptable to Federal Housing Administration standards. Prospective homeowners must attend a free home-ownership training course that covers such topics as preparing for home ownership, shopping for a home, obtaining a mortgage, closing and life as a homeowner.

After completion of the course, participants are assigned a housing counselor who helps them in all the steps to becoming a homeowner. Grants for down-payment assistance do not have to be repaid.

Third-quarter applications must be received by July 15. Brochures and applications are available from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Affordable Housing USA, 235 W. 7th St., Suite F, Oxnard, or by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope.