Homeownership for Heroes
Homeownership for Heroes for Tennessee emergency dispatchers
THDA's consumer page lists state and local public safety emergency dispatchers for Homeownership for Heroes. Here's what to confirm with a lender first.
Who counts
THDA's consumer Great Choice page lists state and local public safety emergency dispatchers among Homeownership for Heroes groups.
The Heroes section of THDA's lender guide, revised Sept. 21, 2026, doesn't name dispatchers yet, and THDA hasn't published how dispatcher employment is verified. Expect to show current Tennessee employment and any dispatch certification you hold, and have a THDA-approved lender confirm eligibility before you lock.
Homeownership for Heroes is a THDA Great Choice home loan (FHA, VA or USDA, 30-year fixed) priced 0.5% below the standard Great Choice rate. Through Heroes Plus you can add one down payment option: a repayable 5% loan up to $15,000, a forgivable 0% loan of $6,000 or $10,000, or up to $25,000 repaid at 0% on a new-build home. You apply through a THDA-approved lender, not through THDA.
If your role isn't confirmed
THDA's standard Great Choice loan has the same income limits, 640 credit minimum and down payment options. You'd lose the 0.5% rate reduction but keep the rest, so a lender can price both.
Papers to have handy
- Proof of current employment at a Tennessee public safety dispatch center
- Any dispatch certification you hold
- Pay stubs and tax returns
- Homebuyer education certificate
Things people ask
Are dispatchers officially eligible?
THDA's consumer page says yes. Its lender guide hasn't caught up, so get confirmation from a THDA-approved lender.
What if I'm not approved under Heroes?
Great Choice offers the same down payment options without the 0.5% rate cut.
Do I need a 640 score?
Yes, for everyone on the loan.
