Our Programs
Healthy Food Program
upLFT’s Healthy Food Program was established in conjunction with Lafayette Consolidated Government to provide financing for healthy food retailers operating or expanding in underserved communities in Lafayette, Louisiana. This financing will enable operators to open, renovate or expand retail outlets that sell healthy food. The goals are to increase access to afforable healthy food so as to improve diets and health, to promote the sale and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, and to support expanded economic opportunities in low-income and rural communities by meeting the financing needs of food market operators in communities where infrastructure cost and credit needs cannot be filled solely by conventional financial institutions.
Fill Out This Eligibility Application
Applying for financing from upLFT’s Healthy Food Program is a two-step process. First, the applicant must complete this Eligibility Application to determine whether the proposed project is consistent with the goals and objectives of the program. Once a project’s eligibility is determined the applicant will receive a letter disclosing its eligibility status. If the project is eligible then the application will be invited to complete a full financing application. All applicants are encouraged to review the upLFT Healthy Food Program Summary.
Down Payment
Assistance Program
The Lafayette Community Development Fund offers a First Time Homebuyers Downpayment Assistance Program to assist qualified home buyers obtain an affordable first mortgage loan through a private lender licensed by the LA Office of Financial Institutions.
The program will provide a 5% interest loan up to $8,000 which may be applied toward down payment and/or closing costs. This loan is secured with a second mortgage. If the original homebuyer no longer occupies the house as his/her principal residence prior to the end of the 15-year loan term, the loan is due in full. There is no pre-payment penalty associated with this loan. The monthly payment is $63.26.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
• First-time homebuyer who has not owned a home as a primary residence in the past three years and/or displaced homemakers.
• Applicant must occupy the home purchased as the principal residence.
• Applicant must have a current signed purchase agreement.
• Applicant shall have an adjust gross income not exceeding the maximum allowable amount established for participation in single family MRB programs administered by the LHC or the LCDF .
• Applicant must meet the credit and loan requirements of the participating lender and mortgage insurer for the primary mortgage.
Property Eligibility
• New or existing single-family home or town home which is (1) unoccupied, (2) occupied by seller, (3) occupied by the applicant(s) and located within Lafayette Parish.
• Manufactured homes, mobile homes, and duplexes are not eligible.
• Condominiums are eligible.
• The property must not exceed the Louisiana Housing Corporation current maximum acquisition cost for residential housing units in the MRB assisted program .
• The maximum acquisition cost for an existing home or new construction is $316,177
Income Eligibility
1 to 2 persons - $86,520
3 or more persons - $100,940