Oregon Offers $30K Grant for First-Time Homebuyers — But Only for Non-Citizens

First-time homebuyers in Oregon can now apply for a taxpayer-funded $30,000 grant to help with down payments. However, there's a catch: only non-U.S. citizens are eligible for this financial assistance.

The grant is being promoted by the Hacienda Community Development Corporation, a Latino-led housing support group based in Portland. Their Camino a Casa program specifically states that the grant is “only for people who are not American citizens.”

The organization’s approach includes working closely with clients through financial coaching and offering workshops on mortgage readiness and financial fitness. “Clients work closely with financial coaches and HUD-certified housing counselors throughout the entirety of the home buying process,” says Hacienda. “In addition to mortgage readiness and financial fitness workshops, we provide various opportunities for down-payment assistance.”

This initiative has sparked controversy, with Republican Oregon state Representative Ed Diehl criticizing it as “state-sponsored discrimination.” He expressed his concern over the use of taxpayer money, saying, “I am appalled that the hard-earned, limited tax dollars of Oregonians are being used to prioritize home ownership for certain non-U.S. citizens,” as reported by the Daily Caller.

The grant funding is part of the state’s Economic Equity Investment Program, which aims to promote economic equity for disadvantaged groups. Hacienda received a $692,775 allocation from this program.

In response to these developments, Republican lawmakers in Oregon are taking action to repeal some of the state’s sanctuary laws, reflecting ongoing political tensions in the predominantly Democratic state.