Rise to Homeownership Program

Down Payment Assistance for First-Time & Income-Eligible Homebuyers in Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, and Allendale Counties

At Rise with Living Hope, we believe that every hardworking family deserves a chance to own a safe, stable home. Our Rise to Homeownership Program is designed to remove financial barriers by offering down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time and income-eligible homebuyers across Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, and Allendale Counties.

Whether you're transitioning from renting or simply seeking a fresh start, our goal is to help you take the next step toward housing stability, financial security, and generational wealth.

Empowering Your Journey to Homeownership in South Carolina’s Lowcountry

What is the Rise to Homeownership Program?

The Rise to Homeownership Down Payment Assistance Program is a grant-based initiative that provides $5,000 or more in financial support to qualifying first-time homebuyers. Funds are applied directly at closing and are not required to be repaid if you live in the home as your primary residence for at least five (5) years.

Grant funds can be used for:

Down Payment Assistance

Note: Grant amounts vary by county and are subject to funding availability. Early application is encouraged.

Who Qualifies for the Program?

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

✅ First-Time Buyer – You must be a first-time homebuyer or have not owned a home in the past 3 years.

✅ Income Requirements – Your household income must be at 50% or below 80% to 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

✅ Location-Based Purchase – The home must be located in Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, or Allendale County.

✅ Mortgage Pre-Approval – You must have a pre-approval from a licensed mortgage lender.

✅ Primary Residence Commitment – You must plan to occupy the home as your primary residence for at least 5 years.

✅ Homebuyer Education – Completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course is required.

Why This Program Matters?

The Rise to Homeownership Program was created to provide equitable access to homeownership for:

Underserved and working-class families
Renters ready to transition into homeownership
First-time buyers facing financial barriers
Individuals and families contributing to the local economy
Communities seeking neighborhood stability and long-term growth

Homeownership is a powerful step toward financial security and wealth building, and this program exists to make that goal achievable for more families in South Carolina’s Lowcountry.

How to Apply for Down Payment Assistance

1.Gather All Documents

To complete your application, please prepare the following:

Two (2) months of pay stubs
Most recent federal tax return
Two (2) months of bank statements
Full credit report from your lender
Mortgage pre-approval letter
Loan Estimate (if available)
Lender letter stating the amount of funds needed for closing
Proof of any other down payment assistance you will be using
Government-issued photo ID (for household members 18+)
Sales contract (
Proof of any additional income (e.g., child support, SSI, etc.)
Certificate of completion of homebuyer education

2. Submit Your Application

Once you have your documents ready, submit your application securely online. (Please review application deadlines.)

➡️ Click Here to Apply

Need help? Email us at info@risewithlivinghope.org or call (843) 321-9159

Application Deadlines

Timely submission is critical! Our Board of Directors reviews completed applications during scheduled monthly board meetings. To avoid delays in the approval process, we strongly encourage applicants to submit their full application — including all required documents — as early as possible. Incomplete applications may not be reviewed until the next cycle, which could significantly postpone your assistance.

Upcoming 2026 Application Deadlines:

February 6, 2026 - (For review in the upcoming Board meeting in March)
March 6, 2026 - (For review in the upcoming Board meeting in April)
April 3, 2026 - (For review in the upcoming Board meeting in May)
May 1, 2026 - (For review in the upcoming Board meeting in June)
June 5, 2026 - (For review in the upcoming Board meeting in July)
July 3, 2026 - (For review in the upcoming Board meeting in August)
August 7, 2026 - (For review in the upcoming Board meeting in September)
September 4, 2026 - (For review in the upcoming Board meeting in October)
October 2, 2026 - (For review in the upcoming Board meeting in November)
November 6, 2026 - (For review in the upcoming Board meeting in December)
December 4, 2026 - (For review in the upcoming Board meeting in January 2027)

Be sure to apply early and include all required documentation to stay on track for board review!

Apply Now