Empowering Futures: SDHC Programs Connecting Education and Opportunity
The San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) is actively working to improve the lives of San Diegans through diverse programs that focus on education, career development, and homeownership. These initiatives aim to create a more equitable and vibrant region by providing opportunities for individuals and families to achieve financial stability, health, and overall well-being.
SDHC Achievement Academy and Certified Medical Assistant Program
Recognizing the transformative potential of a healthcare career, the SDHC Achievement Academy is partnering with Western Medical Training Center to offer a comprehensive Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) course. This program is specifically designed for young adults from low-income families, providing them with a pathway to a life-changing career.
Jeff Davis, Interim President & CEO of SDHC, emphasized the program's significance: "The opportunity for a career in healthcare as a Certified Medical Assistant can be life-changing for young adults in families with low income. This program is a significant, positive step to support these youth and reflects our strategic priority to help families increase opportunities for self-sufficiency and quality of life."
The CMA course combines online learning with on-campus sessions, including labs and a clinical externship, to provide a well-rounded educational experience. More than 4,800 potential participants have been identified among individuals ages 18 through 26 in households with low income that receive federal rental assistance from SDHC. These are young adults who may be "disconnected" or "overburdened," facing barriers to work and school and/or experiencing pressure beyond what is considered normal or healthy for their age.
The SDHC Achievement Academy itself serves as a learning and resource center, offering programs focused on career planning, job skills development, job placement assistance, and personal financial education, including credit and budgeting.
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Prebys Foundation's Investment
The Prebys Foundation is a key partner in supporting SDHC's efforts. Grant Oliphant, CEO of Prebys Foundation, stated, "Our communities are better thanks to the work of the San Diego Housing Commission. This is why we are proud to invest $604,000 to their work advancing our shared vision for a vibrant and thriving region."
Prebys Foundation, the largest independent private foundation in San Diego County, is dedicated to creating an inclusive, equitable, and dynamic future for all San Diegans. The foundation invests in groundbreaking institutions, ideas, and people to ensure more San Diegans are financially secure, healthy, empowered, and connected.
Homeownership Programs
SDHC also offers several programs to assist individuals and families in achieving the dream of homeownership. Recognizing that homeownership is a crucial step towards financial stability and wealth building, SDHC provides resources and assistance to first-time homebuyers.
A SDHC Homeownership Advisor is available to answer questions about first-time homebuyer programs, assess financial preparedness, and connect callers with counseling agencies that provide the services they need to become ready to buy a home.
SDHC administers two primary first-time homebuyer programs:
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- SDHC First-Time Homebuyer Low-Income Program: This program assists with the purchase of a single-family home, townhome, or condominium in the City of San Diego. Specific eligibility requirements apply.
- SDHC First-Time Homebuyer Middle-Income Program: This program also assists with the purchase of a single-family home, townhome, or condominium in the City of San Diego. Eligible buyers earning between 80 percent and 150 percent of San Diego’s Area Median Income (AMI) may qualify for a $40,000 deferred down-payment assistance loan and a $10,000 closing costs assistance grant. This program is funded by a grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation.
The County of San Diego also offers a First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program.
Each first-time homebuyer program SDHC administers has different eligibility requirements and features. Prospective buyers are encouraged to contact a loan officer from a Participating Lender list, who will serve as the primary point of contact from pre-approval to loan closing.
Applicants should review San Diego’s Area Median Income (AMI) limits to confirm their household annual gross income (before taxes) does not exceed the limit for their family size.
Loan Details and Qualification
The SDHC programs often involve deferred-payment loans. For example, the Loan is deferred with no monthly payments required during years 1 through 5. Beginning in year 6, the outstanding principal and interest will be converted to an amortized loan with fixed monthly payments for a period of 120 months.
Deferred-payment Loan for down payment can be Up to 19% of the purchase price.
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General qualifications often include:
- Obtaining a fixed-rate first trust deed loan.
- Having adequate income.
- Maintaining a good credit rating.
- Providing a minimum down payment of 1 percent, and maximum down payment of 20 percent (specific percentages may vary by program).
- Providing a minimum down payment of 3 percent.
- Providing a minimum down payment of 2 percent.
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