The Covenant Homeownership Program: Up to $150,000 in Washington
Washington's Covenant Homeownership program can provide up to $150,000 in down payment assistance to buyers affected by the state's history of racial covenants. It is the largest program of its kind, and most eligible buyers have never heard of it.
What the program addresses
For much of the twentieth century, racially restrictive covenants, clauses written into property deeds, legally barred people of color from buying homes in many Washington neighborhoods. Those covenants are unenforceable now, but their effects on family wealth carried forward for generations. Washington created the Covenant Homeownership program to help address that harm directly, with real money: up to $150,000 toward a home, or the amount a buyer needs, whichever is less.
Who qualifies
Eligibility is tied to that history. In general terms, it reaches Washington residents who were themselves, or are descendants of someone who was, subject to discriminatory housing practices in the state before the fair-housing protections that followed. WSHFC sets the exact criteria and the documentation required, and they are specific. Because the rules are precise and the program has a defined funding pool, the honest first move is to check directly with WSHFC whether you qualify, which we help you do.
Why to check early
The program is funded through a state document-recording fee and replenished over time, so how much is available can depend on the current cycle. It is ongoing, not a one-time thing, but also not unlimited at every moment. Given the size, up to $150,000, if there is any chance you qualify, it is worth finding out early rather than late. See how it fits with Washington’s other programs on our local programs page.
Common questions
What is the Washington Covenant Homeownership program?
It is a WSHFC program providing up to $150,000 (or the amount needed, whichever is less) plus closing costs, as a deferred second mortgage, to buyers affected by Washington's history of racially restrictive covenants and housing discrimination. It uses a Covenant, Home Advantage, or House Key first mortgage.
Who qualifies for the Covenant program?
In general, Washington residents who were, or are descendants of someone who was, subject to discriminatory housing practices in the state before the fair-housing laws that followed. WSHFC sets the precise eligibility and documentation rules. The honest first step is to confirm with WSHFC whether you qualify.
Is Covenant funding still available?
The program is funded by a state document-recording fee and replenished periodically, so availability can depend on the current funding cycle. It is ongoing but not unlimited at every moment. Given the size (up to $150,000), it's worth confirming the current round with WSHFC early.
See if you qualify for Covenant
Tell us your county, credit range, and price target, and we’ll map your Washington path in a no-pressure 20-minute call. No obligation.