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CHFA Schools To Home

CHFA Colorado Champions for Colorado EMTs

Colorado EMTs with a current CDPHE certificate can get up to $25,000 or 4% in CHFA down payment help through Colorado Champions. Who qualifies and how.

Who qualifies

You need a current, valid EMT certificate issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), be authorized to provide emergency medical care, and be employed by a Colorado employer working in Colorado.

Your lender reviews your CDPHE certificate along with employment paperwork such as a paystub or written VOE.

CHFA Schools To Home lets full-time Colorado preK-12 public school employees borrow up to 25% of their CHFA first mortgage as a 0% deferred second mortgage, repaid at sale, refinance or payoff plus a share of any appreciation. CHFA Colorado Champions gives first responders a 0% deferred second of up to $25,000 or 4% of the first mortgage, whichever is less, with no shared appreciation. Neither is a grant, and both pair with a 30-year fixed CHFA first mortgage from a participating lender.

Nurses and other healthcare workers

The program names EMTs, not nurses. A nurse who also holds a qualifying CDPHE EMT certificate and EMT role may fit; otherwise CHFA SmartStep or Preferred are the usual path. SmartStep can include a grant of up to $25,000 or 3% that you don't repay, or a second of up to $25,000 or 4%, with a $178,920 income limit.

Shift pay and overtime

Lenders typically look at how steady overtime and shift pay have been before counting them. Bring two years of W-2s and recent paystubs so your loan officer can show the full picture against the $196,810 Champions income limit.

Paperwork to gather

  • Current CDPHE EMT certificate
  • Recent paystub or written VOE from your Colorado employer
  • Two years of W-2s and tax returns
  • CHFA-approved homebuyer education certificate (each borrower)
  • Bank statements for your $1,000 minimum contribution

Questions

Does my EMT certificate need to be from Colorado?

Yes. Colorado Champions requires a current, valid EMT certificate issued by CDPHE, and you must work in Colorado for a Colorado employer.

Can paramedics use Colorado Champions?

The program covers people authorized to provide emergency medical care with a current CDPHE EMT certificate. A participating lender confirms how your certification fits.

Is the help a grant?

No. It is a 0% deferred second mortgage of up to $25,000 or 4%, repaid when you sell, refinance, pay off the loan or move out.

Other eligible jobs

Test your eligibility

Six questions, no credit check. Or call (800) 555-0100.

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