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City of Memphis

Memphis down payment help for MHA residents and voucher holders

Three City of Memphis programs serve current or recently displaced Memphis Housing Authority residents, Housing Choice Voucher holders and HOPE VI buyers, with up to 10% of the price, capped at $25,000.

Memphis DPA for MHA residents, voucher holders and HOPE VI buyers (MHA DPA, SHAPE, TADPA)

Funds limited

City of Memphis

For
Current/recently displaced MHA residents (MHA DPA), Housing Choice Voucher holders (SHAPE), buyers through MHA's HOPE VI program (TADPA)
How much
Up to 10% of sales price, max $25,000 (City DPA cap)
Income cap
80% AMI
Price cap
Current HUD HOME value limits
Fine print
Memphis city limits

Niche audience; list briefly.

Checked against the source November 2026 · how we check

Could I use this?
Want a heads-up? Memphis DPA for MHA residents, voucher holders and HOPE VI buyers (MHA DPA, SHAPE, TADPA) runs on a limited pot of money that can run dry. We'll tell you when a new round is funded.

Three programs, one cap

The City of Memphis runs these with the Memphis Housing Authority:

  • MHA DPA for current MHA residents and residents recently displaced from MHA housing.
  • SHAPE for Housing Choice Voucher holders.
  • TADPA for buyers going through MHA's HOPE VI program.

Each can pay up to 10% of the sales price, and the total from all City of Memphis DPA programs cannot pass $25,000. Awards are subject to funding. The city has not published whether these funds are forgiven or repaid.

Eligibility basics

Household income must be at or below 80% of area median income. The home must be inside Memphis city limits and priced within current HUD HOME value limits. These programs are a small, specific door; if you are not in one of the three groups, Memphis's citywide program or the job-based incentives are the better fit.

If you also work in public service

A voucher holder who is also a teacher, EMT, dispatcher or officer may qualify for THDA's Homeownership for Heroes, which has a 640 credit minimum and a $500,000 price limit in Shelby County. The city does not say whether its MHA programs can be layered onto a THDA loan, so a participating lender confirms whether they combine. Our guide to grant, forgivable and repayable help explains what to look for in the closing papers, and the Shelby County page lists other local options.

Voucher holders, one more step: ask your caseworker whether your voucher can be used toward a mortgage payment after you buy, and how that changes once you own. Your lender will want that answer in writing when it calculates what you can afford. Recently displaced MHA residents should keep any notice or letter showing the displacement date, because that is how eligibility for MHA DPA is shown.

Getting started

  1. Ask your MHA or voucher caseworker which of the three programs applies to you.
  2. Work with a City of Memphis approved DPA lender to get pre-approved.
  3. Find a home inside city limits under the HOME value limit.
  4. Call Memphis HCD at 901-636-7300 with funding questions, and check your THDA eligibility too.

Counties we cover that it serves: Shelby County

Questions about Memphis DPA for MHA residents, voucher holders and HOPE VI buyers (MHA DPA, SHAPE, TADPA)

What is the SHAPE program in Memphis?

SHAPE is the City of Memphis down payment program for Housing Choice Voucher holders. It pays up to 10% of the price, capped at $25,000, subject to funding.

Who can use TADPA?

Buyers purchasing through the Memphis Housing Authority's HOPE VI program.

What is the income limit for MHA DPA?

80% of area median income, with the home inside Memphis city limits and under HUD HOME value limits.

Could I use this program?

Other programs worth a look

Summarized from the program's official page as of November 2026. Money and rules change, so check current terms with the program or a lender who takes part. Tennessee Down Payment Assistance has no connection to this program.