You may qualify for $25,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance through FirstGenHomeRI — a grant program designed to help first-generation buyers start building wealth through homeownership.
Verify Your FirstGenHomeRI Program Eligibility
FirstGenHomeRI offers eligible first-generation buyers a $25,000 grant to cover down payment and closing costs.
This program is designed to help Rhode Island residents who’ve never had family homeownership access the housing market.
Buyers must live in select cities, meet credit and income guidelines, and complete a homebuyer education course.
It’s a powerful opportunity to break generational barriers and become a homeowner without the upfront financial burden.
A first-generation homebuyer is defined as someone whose parents or legal guardians never owned a home during the buyer’s lifetime, or who lost a home to foreclosure or short sale and do not currently own one.
Additionally, anyone who has lived in foster care automatically qualifies. This definition is designed to support individuals who have not had access to generational homeownership.
FirstGenHomeRI uses this standard to ensure its grant reaches families who need it most.
FirstGenHomeRI is designed to remove financial barriers and make homeownership more accessible for first-generation buyers in Rhode Island.
$25,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance — offered as a grant, not a loan.
Helps first-generation buyers overcome the biggest financial hurdle to homeownership.
Available to residents in Central Falls, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, East Providence, Providence (excluding 02906), and part of Newport.
Eligible for 1–4 unit homes or condos anywhere in Rhode Island.
Requires only a 660 credit score and completion of a free homebuyer education course.
Can be combined with RIHousing first mortgages and other programs.
No repayment required — you keep the $25,000.
Empowers historically underserved communities to build generational wealth through homeownership.
If you qualify, this grant could be the key to owning your first home without the heavy upfront costs.
To qualify for the $25,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance, you must:
Be a first-generation homebuyer (your parents never owned a home, lost it to foreclosure, or you lived in foster care).
Be a first-time homebuyer purchasing in Rhode Island.
Currently live in Central Falls, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, East Providence, Providence (excluding 02906), or Newport (census tract 44005040500).
Have a minimum credit score of 660.
Meet income limits.
Meet the loan limit: $453,863.
Be buying a 1–4 unit home or condo.
Complete a HUD-approved first-time homebuyer education course.
Get a RIHousing-funded mortgage through RIHousing’s Loan Center.
Plan to live in the home as your primary residence.
To be eligible for FirstGenHomeRI, your household income must fall within the limits below:
| Household Size | Maximum Income |
|---|---|
| 1–2 People | $99,730 |
| 3+ People | $114,689 |
These limits ensure the program supports moderate-income families who need the most help purchasing a home.
Confirm you meet the basic program requirements based on where you live and your homebuyer status.
Take a HUD-approved first-time homebuyer education course and get pre-approved for a RIHousing first mortgage through their Loan Center.
Work with an approved lender to finalize your application, buy your home, and receive $25,000 in down payment or closing cost assistance at closing.
Here are 10 important questions most people don’t think to ask — but definitely should before applying.
Yes. As long as your parent(s) or legal guardian never owned a home during your lifetime, or lost their home to foreclosure or short sale and do not currently own one, you qualify — even if only one parent meets that condition.
No. You must be a first-time homebuyer, meaning you haven't owned a home in the past 3 years.
Yes. The grant can be used for 1–4 unit homes, as long as you live in the property as your primary residence.
No. This is a true grant, not a loan or lien — there is no repayment required, even if you sell or move out later.
You must reside in one of the eligible cities at the time of application. Moving out before applying may disqualify you.
No. You can purchase a home anywhere in Rhode Island — eligibility is based on where you currently live, not where you buy.
Yes. New construction is allowed as long as it's a 1–4 unit home or condo that meets all other program requirements.
You don’t need documentation. The program accepts self-attestation, meaning you simply declare it during the application process.
Only if that lender provides a RIHousing-funded first mortgage. The $25K grant is only available through RIHousing’s Loan Center.
Yes. FirstGenHomeRI is a pilot program with limited funding, so it's recommended to apply as soon as you're eligible.
Understanding down payment assistance programs can be confusing—but you don’t have to do it alone.
We specialize in helping Rhode Islanders understand and successfully apply for the FirstGenHomeRI $25K grant with clarity and confidence.
Proven Experience: We’ve guided countless first-time buyers through RIHousing programs and know exactly how to help you qualify without delays.
Rhode Island Expertise: From Providence to Pawtucket, we understand the local markets, income limits, and eligibility rules specific to each community.
Direct Access to RIHousing Lending: We work directly with RIHousing and their approved lenders, helping you secure the required first mortgage and move forward quickly.
Clear, Pressure-Free Guidance: Our team is here to answer every question and walk you through the process step-by-step—no confusion, no guesswork.
Rooted in Your Success: We’re passionate about helping first-generation buyers become homeowners—and making sure you don’t leave $25,000 on the table.
