Building a Legacy: How the Covenant Homeownership Program is Transforming Lives
Breaking Barriers to Homeownership
The landmark Covenant Homeownership Program provides families harmed by housing discrimination in Washington State with the opportunity to build a legacy through homeownership. For decades, families of color were shut out of this opportunity through racist covenants, redlining, and systemic inequities. Today, the Covenant Program is a step toward repairing those harms—providing pathways for families to own homes, create stability, and build generational wealth.
This featured video highlights a Washington family who purchased a home using a Covenant down payment assistance loan, as well as the loan officer and real estate agent who guided them throughout the process.
“For me, when I hear of homeownership, I think of anchoring. I think of legacy, which leads to generational wealth.” — Homebuyer
Inside the Video Story
The video follows one family’s journey as they unlock the doors of their new home—something once thought impossible. With the support of their loan officer and real estate agent, they were able to access a Covenant down payment assistance loan and turn their dream into reality.
The homebuyer reflected on what it means for their family:
“We bought this home specifically to have something to pass on to our children that has the maximum amount of possibilities in terms of generational wealth.”
At the same time, they acknowledged the historic barriers that make the Covenant Program so necessary:
“I think about the systemic barriers that were basically put in place for Black and brown families in the 1920s and 30s, called redlining. Regardless of how much you made and your credit score, they were intentional about not allowing you to get a loan for property… One of the things I appreciate about this arrangement here is you’re actually seeing legacy in motion.”
For loan officers and real estate professionals, the program represents a groundbreaking shift:
“At first I thought, is this real? We’ve never had anything like that. You’re talking about 20% up to $150,000, paying all the closing costs, even being reimbursed for your inspection and appraisal.”
“We often get that question: what’s the catch? And the truth is, there is no catch. It gives them an opportunity. It gives them hope.”
“I can remember this time last year, I had to call families and say, ‘I’m so sorry, you’re priced out of the market.’ When the Covenant Program came about, I was able to call those same people and say, ‘We’re back in the game.’”
“It’s a game changer. It really, really is.”
About the Covenant Homeownership Program
The Covenant Homeownership Program was created through the Covenant Homeownership Act of 2023, which recognized the lasting impact of housing discrimination in Washington. The program is administered by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) and provides 0% interest loans for down payment and closing costs, covering up to 20% of a home’s purchase price.
Learn more and check eligibility: heretohome.org/covenant
Washington State Housing Finance Commission: WSHFC | Washington State Housing Finance Commission | Home Page
Steps to Get Started
Learn about eligibility – Visit heretohome.org/covenant to review requirements.
Connect with a lender – Approved lenders can walk families through the application process.
Work with a real estate professional – Partner with agents who understand the Covenant Program to find the right home.
Apply for assistance – With lender guidance, families can apply for down payment assistance and begin the path to homeownership.
The Role of Partners & Organizations
The Covenant Program is not a standalone effort—it is part of a larger ecosystem of housing justice in Washington. Organizations like the Black Home Initiative (BHI) are committed to advancing equitable housing access, dismantling systemic barriers, and supporting families in building generational wealth.
For BHI, uplifting programs like the Covenant Homeownership Program are central to the mission. By sharing success stories, connecting families to resources, and engaging community partners, BHI helps ensure that equity is not just a goal but a reality.
Why This Matters
Homeownership is more than property—it’s power, stability, and legacy. The Covenant Homeownership Program is helping families reclaim the opportunities they were historically denied. As the homebuyer powerfully shared:
“For me, legacy means that this is a home that we can pass down to our children.”
Together with partners like BHI, the Covenant Program is building stronger, more equitable communities—one home at a time.