A Pledge for Homeownership
In a historic and groundbreaking move to address past housing discrimination, the Washington State Legislature passed the Covenant Homeownership Act in the spring of 2023. This foundational legislation was created to bring forth reparations for victims of racially restrictive covenants—tools of housing exclusion and segregation that denied opportunities to generations of BIPOC communities.
Jasmyn Jefferson, Designated Broker and co-owner at Windermere Abode Lakewood, has been appointed by Governor Inslee to an oversight committee for the program. Jasmyn is the current President of the Tacoma/Pierce County Association of Realtors and is also working with the Black Home Initiative, which was instrumental in getting the Act passed.
Starting July 1, 2024, the Covenant Homeownership Program will be open to providing crucial financial services, including down payment assistance, closing cost support and 0% interest loans! This program is specifically designed for first-time homebuyers impacted by discriminatory covenants. Recipients must have lived in Washington state before 1968 (within the Black, Hispanic, Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Korean, or Asian Indian communities) or have a direct ancestor that meets these qualifications.
If your family has generational ties to Washington and you belong to one of these communities, you may qualify for this transformative program. To learn more info and to check your eligibility, please visit the Washington State Housing Finance Commission website or call their WA State Homeownership Hotline at 1-877-894-4663. Their complimentary services will offer expert guidance and connect you with lenders who can help you on your path to homeownership.
