Employer Assisted Homebuyer Program 
(Live-Work RI)

Live-Work RI Flyer

EAP ​Homebuyers Assisted 

since 2003

Live-Work RI is a nationally recognized program that makes it easier for employees to buy a home in Rock Island, Illinois. Created in 2003, the program is a powerful partnership between Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH), the Development Association of Rock Island (DARI), and the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). Live-Work RI is considered one of Illinois' longest running, most successful employer-assisted homebuyer programs. To date, Live-Work RI has helped 476+ homebuyers purchase homes in Rock Island in nearly every neighborhood within the city limits. 

At its core, Live-Work RI is simple:

• Help employees become homeowners
• Workforce development tool that strengthens employer recruitment and retention
• Preserve and grow Rock Island’s population base

Live-Work RI provides:

• 5% down payment assistance, based on the home's purchase price
• Up to $1,500 in closing cost assistance

​
All participants are required to receive:

• HUD-Approved homebuyer education
• One-on-one housing counseling, delivered by GROWTH, a HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency
• This ensures every buyer understands the process and is prepared for long-term homeownership 
• Together, the financial support and counseling not only reduce upfront costs but also help buyers feel informed, confident, and set up for success.​

Requirements:

• Individual must be an employee of a DARI-member company (Click here for eligible employer list). 
• Company must be a  DARI member in good standing. New DARI members become eligible 30 days after membership payment clears. (Click here for eligible employer list). 
• Purchase a home within Rock Island city limits (zip code 61201)
• Have a household income at or below 120% of the Area Median Income (Click here for income limits)
• Complete application
• Meet with GROWTH's Housing Manager/HUD-Certified Housing Counselor
• Complete GROWTH's homebuyer education workshop prior to closing on the home (Click here for Homebuyer Class Schedule)

Nearly every neighborhood has had a homebuyer purchase a home with Live-Work RI assistance, bringing confident and informed homebuyers that are set up for success.

Average assistance is $5,800, and goes up to 20% higher than the IA-IL QC Median Income.

Friendship Manor employee speaks about the impact Live-Work RI made for her and her family. She was referred by her HR Director, who encouraged her to apply.

Friendship Manor employee speaks about how Live-Work RI helped her buy her first home, and then again when she needed to upsize. It is not a first-time homebuyer program.

Step 1:
Complete Application

Apply as soon as you begin thinking seriously about purchase a home. GROWTH is here to guide you through the entire process, from start to finish. GROWTH must approve your application prior to making an offer on a home.

         Step 2:               
Meet with HUD-Certified Staff

GROWTH, a HUD-Approved Housing Counseling agency, has HUD-certified Housing Counselors that will meet with you and provide you with the financial tools needed to achieve your goal of homeownership. Send an email below to inquire.

    Step 3:         
Register for Homebuyer Class

Attending a one-day homebuyer education workshop is required prior to closing on a home. The classes are held once per month and you can submit an email to register for the next available class. There is no cost to attend the homebuyer class.

Apply

Schedule

Register

Don't see your Employer on the list?

Don’t see your employer name listed? Have them contact the Development Association of Rock Island (DARI) to learn about how to become a member by emailing [email protected]. Employer must a member of DARI in good standing for employees to remain eligible. New DARI members must be members for 30 days prior to any of their employees becoming eligible to use the downpayment program. For more information about Live-Work Rock Island, contact 309-788-6311 or [email protected].

Have questions or a special circumstance? Exceptions may be requested and must be pre-approved by completing the contact form below in order to be considered. For more information on becoming a member of DARI and to access the Live-Work RI program, please call 309-788-6311 or email [email protected].