Expanded “Palmetto Heroes” Provides Essential Workers with Money for Homeownership

Press Release

In 2006, The South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing) created Palmetto Heroes to help bring homeownership within reach for some of the most courageous and dedicated community servants in our state. This year, the program is expanding to recognize and assist additional essential workers who have stepped up to keep our state running during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Palmetto Heroes provides low interest home loans to qualifying South Carolina teachers, firefighters, law enforcement, correctional officers, EMS personnel, and veterans (including SC State and National Guard). This year the program will also be available to: Licensed Medical Professionals, employed full-time in a hospital, clinic, doctor’s office, nursing home/long term care facility or other medical facility (must be licensed/certified by the State of South Carolina); Grocery Store Employees, employed full-time in a grocery store; and Package Delivery Drivers, employed full-time for a package delivery service/logistics company.

Eligible Palmetto Heroes homebuyers can get a 3.5% interest rate through SC Housing’s First-time Homebuyer Program, as well as $10,000 in forgivable down payment assistance.

Additionally, qualifying income limits have increased in most counties, with substantial increases in Berkeley, Dorchester and York counties, expanding the pool of potential homebuyers who may qualify.

Mortgage loans are for 30 years and are available through any of SC Housing’s network of more than 100 participating lenders statewide. Maximum income limits are based on the median income per county and household composition. The Palmetto Heroes Program may not be used for refinancing.

Each year the program is in high demand and loan reservations are typically exhausted within a few months. For more information, contact SC Housing at 1.800.432.5007 or visit the agency’s website: www.schousing.com.

About SC Housing

SC Housing is a self-sustaining housing finance agency committed to ensuring that South Carolinians have the opportunity to live in safe, decent, and affordable housing. Agency operations are supported by a funding base that includes fees and other revenue earned through the administration of agency programs.  For more information, visit www.SCHousing.com.

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