Press Release--Lumbee Tribe of N.C. Doubles the Available Down Payment Assistance Amount
For Immediate Release Lumbee Tribe of N.C. Doubles the Available Down Payment Assistance Amount to Offset Increasing Cost for First - Time Home Buyers Pembroke, NC (March 17, 2023) - On Thursday, Lumbee Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery amended the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina’s Down Payment Assistance Policy. The change will increase the down payment assistance amount to first-time home buyers. Previously, recipients received a range between $5,000 to $12,000 through the Down Payment Assistance program. Now if approved, Lumbee Tribal members may receive from $10,000 to a maximum of $20,000. Chairman Lowery said he is proud to announce the change because inflation is contributing to higher interest rates and rising cost of construction. "We are increasing access to the American Dream of owning a home,” said Lowery. "By providing a higher benefit of down payment assistance, we are helping Lumbee families not only overcome the hurdle of paying their closing costs, but also gaining positive equity on their home before they ever move in.” The first family to benefit from the change is Stephanie Stewart and her 8-year-old son Jakoby. While holding back the tears, Stewart described her surprise as she found out the amount she would receive was increased by double. “To me it means a first chance for me and my son to finally have something to call our own,” said Stewart. “I’m 37 years old and I have lived paycheck to paycheck for most of my life, like a lot of individuals in Robeson County, but to receive a gift like this down payment assistance from the Lumbee Tribe is life-changing”. Stewart hopes to move into a new home in the Clyborn Pines community with the next month. She said the difference in money will cover the closing cost and a portion of the down payment. See attached full Press Release, photo and video of amendment signing with first family click here https://youtu.be/40us-igyBms The Down Payment Assistance Program requirements remain the same. Interested applicants may apply at the Lumbee Tribe Housing Complex from 8 am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
