Inclusive Communities Fund

Northwest Indiana Down Payment Assistance Program

South Suburban Housing Center is providing up to $15,000 in down payment assistance to eligible homebuyers purchasing in East Chicago, Gary, and Hammond, Indiana. Below are the eligibility requirements and how to get started:

Eligibility Requirements

  • Property must be in East Chicago, Gary, or Hammond, Indiana
  • One (1) unit properties only – i.e., house, condo, townhome
  • Primary residence – not a second home or rental property
  • Conventional financing from a participating lender
    FHA, VA, and USDA loans are not eligible for this program
  • Cannot own other residential real estate at closing
  • Attend an SSHC Homebuyer Education Course
  • Complete SSHC One-On-One Housing Counseling
  • Five-year forgivable grant based on household income*

Participating Lenders:

  • Associated Bank
  • Bank of America
  • BMO Harris Bank
  • Centier Bank
  • Chase
  • Citi Bank
  • Fifth Third Bank
  • First Merchants Bank
  • First Savings Bank of Hegewisch
  • Huntington Bank
  • Old National Bank
  • People’s Bank
  • Wintrust Mortgage

How to Get Started:

(708) 957-4674

sshc.contact@gmail.com

Updated Area Median Income Limits:

The 2025 Area Median Income (AMI) limits are for the Gary, IN HUD Metro FMR Area. See the chart below to see your household AMI. Up to 120% AMR is eligible for this program.

  • Less than 60% AMI: $15,000 Grant
  • 60 – 80% AMI: $10,000 Grant
  • 80-120% AMI: $5,000 Grant
Household Size12345678
< 60%$40,200$45,900$51,650$57,360$61,950$66,550$71,150$75,750
60-80%$53,550$61,200$68,850$76,500$82,650$88,750$94,900$101,000
80-120%$80,400$91,800$103,300$114,720$123,900$133,100$142,300$151,500