First Responders in Virginia
have a powerful new homeownership resource!
The Virginia Housing Community Heroes Grant, a statewide program created to help frontline workers—including firefighters and first responders—afford a home in the communities they serve.
WHO ARE COMMUNITY HEROES?
Educators, Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, First-Responders,
Military Personnel and Healthcare Workers
Whether you’re a career firefighter, volunteer firefighter, EMT, dispatcher, or another first responder, this new grant can significantly reduce the cost of buying a home. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the Virginia Housing Community Heroes Grant?
The Community Heroes Grant provides a $10,000 grant to eligible homebuyers using a Virginia Housing bond first mortgage. The program includes:
- $10,000 Grant, this is a true grant, not a second mortgage and not recorded as a lien
- No Repayment
- Must Pair with Virginia Housing Bond First Mortgage
- No Cash Back to borrowers, except earnest Money deposits or prepaid costs
NOTE: The grant cannot be reduced below $10,000. If excessive cash back is generated, the first mortgage amount must be reduced at closing.
Who Qualifies as a Community Hero?
Virginia Housing recognizes a broad range of frontline professionals as Community Heroes, including:
- Firefighters (career & volunteer)
- EMTs & Paramedics
- 911 Dispatchers
- Law Enforcement Officers
- Military Personnel (Active Duty, Veterans, Guard & Reserve)
- Administrative Staff employed by a fire department or law enforcement agency
Retirees of eligible professions also qualify. Only one borrower on the loan must meet the Community Hero definition, making this program accessible even when only one household member is a first responder.
Eligible Mortgage Programs
The Community Heroes Grant must be used with one of Virginia Housing’s bond first mortgages:
- Conventional Bond
- FHA Bond
- VA Bond
- USDA (RHS) Bond
Can Firefighters Combine the Grant with Other Assistance?
Yes. Firefighters may be able to combine the $10,000 Community Heroes Grant with additional assistance programs, including:
- Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Grant
- Closing Cost Assistance (CCA) Grant
- Plus Second Mortgage
- Other approved assistance programs that meet loan requirements
When layered together, these grants can dramatically lower upfront costs. In Virginia Housing examples, firefighters received up to $16,000 in total assistance by combining the $10,000 Community Heroes Grant with a $6,000 DPA Grant.
Income Limits and Bond Requirements
The following Virginia Housing bond requirements apply:
- Standard income limits unless paired with DPA or CCA (then lower limits apply)
- Higher income limits available in targeted areas
- First-time homebuyer requirement unless purchasing in a targeted zone
- Sales price limits
- Borrower and Seller Affidavits
Your lender determines eligibility based on loan program and property location.
Why This Grant Matters for First Responders
First Responders often face unique barriers to homeownership—demanding schedules, limited time, overtime-based earnings, and rising housing costs near stations. The Community Heroes Grant helps remove these obstacles by offering:
- Lower upfront costs
- Increased purchasing power
- The ability to live closer to your station
- A more affordable and attainable path to long-term homeownership
For Virginia firefighters and first responders, this program provides timely support that can make homeownership more attainable.
How FirefighterMortgages.com Helps
FirefighterMortgages.com is dedicated to helping first responders and their families access mortgage funds and benefits, including the Community Heroes Grant and other programs that can be layered with it.
We assist Virginia firefighters and first responders by:
- Verifying grant eligibility
- Matching borrowers with Virginia Housing-approved lenders
- Identifying available grant combinations
- Managing timelines around shift schedules
- Providing straightforward, friendly guidance at every step
You protect your community. We want to help you protect your financial future.
