Photo by Tierra Mallorca at unsplash.com
The Beyond Housing Foundation has received a $250,000 contribution from U.S. Bank to continue its OpenHome Down Payment Assistance Program for 2026.
The program gives eligible homebuyers in Fresno and Madera counties up to $10,000 in down payment assistance. Applications opened Aug. 17 and will stay open until the funding runs out.
Eligible applicants must be first-time homebuyers, meet household income limits and complete an approved eight-hour homebuyer education course. The home must be in Fresno or Madera counties and within a qualifying census tract, and applicants must qualify for a first mortgage through a recognized lender.
For the program, a first-time homebuyer is someone who has not owned or occupied a home they owned — or lived in a home owned by a spouse — during the previous three years.
The Beyond Housing Foundation is the fundraising affiliate of Fresno Housing.
The program has helped 35 families buy their first homes, according to Beyond Housing. Nearly $500,000 in assistance has supported more than $11.2 million in local home purchases.
“By helping 35 local families buy their first home, OpenHome is proving that removing the down payment barrier directly fuels economic mobility and community stability,” Tiffany Mangum, executive director of Beyond Housing, said in a statement.
Fresno Housing currently serves nearly 50,000 residents across Fresno County. Beyond Housing focuses on economic empowerment opportunities, including initiatives that help residents transition from renting to homeownership.
U.S. Bank’s contribution was made through its Community Possible platform, which supports communities through philanthropy, investments and employee volunteerism.
More information and application instructions are available at Beyond Housing’s website.