Employer Assisted Homebuyer Program 
(Live-Work RI)

Live-Work RI Flyer

In 2003, GROWTH partnered with the Development Association of Rock Island (DARI) and the City of Rock Island in order to offer an innovative homebuyer assistance program for individuals and families wishing to buy a home within the city limits of Rock Island.

Through Live-Work RI, funds can help with down payment and closing costs. Our program includes individualized counseling and an education workshop that will lead you through the process of selecting, purchasing, and maintaining a home. The program has been widely successful with more than 400 employees purchasing homes through the Live-Work RI, and 49% of participating households relocating to Rock Island from outside communities. 

Requirements:

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

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 class 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

The list of employers below are members of the Development Association of Rock Island, Inc. (DARI), making employees who work for the below employers eligible for the Live-Work Rock Island program. 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].