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*
*Click here to see the updated AMI chart
Participating Lenders:
- Associated Bank
- Bank of America
- BMO Harris Bank
- Centier Bank
- Chase
- Citi Bank
- Devon Bank
- Fifth Third Bank
- First Merchants Bank
- First Savings Bank of Hegewisch
- Horizon Bank
- Huntington Bank
- Old National Bank
- People’s Bank
- US Bank
- Wintrust Mortgage
How to Get Started:
Contact us if you have questions or would like to begin intake:
(708) 957-4674
sshc.contact@gmail.com
Updated Area Median Income Limits:
The 2026 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 Size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| < 60% | $42,450 | $48,500 | $54,550 | $60,550 | $65,400 | $70,300 | $75,150 | $79,950 |
| 60-80% | $56,500 | $64,600 | $72,650 | $80,700 | $87,200 | $93,650 | $100,100 | $106,550 |
| 80-120% | $84,850 | $97,000 | $110,000 | $122,000 | $130,800 | $140,550 | $150,250 | $159,850 |