At The Washington County Realtors® REACH Foundation, our mission is to enhance community well-being by expanding access to affordable and quality housing. We are committed to supporting homeownership opportunities for individuals and families within Washington County, Utah, and building a future where everyone has a place to call home.
About Us
The Washington County Board of REALTORS® advocates for housing options by actively supporting policies and initiatives that will increase the availability and variety of housing choices for people in their community. This includes pushing for affordable housing options over diverse property types to ensure equal access for all demographics.
Grant Program
Our grant program is designed to support local organizations who help increase access to affordable and stable housing, as well as provide down-payment assistance to individuals seeking homeownership opportunities. This program is designed to empower communities, improve living conditions, and ensure that more people have access to a safe place to call HOME.
APPLICATION BUTTON DISABLED. NEXT APPLICATION DATE TBD.
Who is Eligible
- Non-Profit Organizations who hold a qualifying 501(c)3 tax exemption
- Individuals Needing Down Payment Assistance (must be represented by a local REALTOR®)
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted on this webpage (coming soon) and reviewed at multiple times throughout the year. Applicants will be required to submit with the application the following:
- INDIVIDUALS: a qualifying letter from lender, description of financial position and needs, agent representation agreement and letter of authorization to discuss with lender if necessary.
- ORGANIZATION: 501(c)3 certification, mission statement, brief summary of organizations history, current programs, objectives, activities and accomplishments, as well as thorough overview of how the funds would be spent.
Selection Process
Applicants may submit their grant application by the program’s deadline (posted on this webpage & updated throughout the year). A committee that oversees the program will conduct an initial review to confirm that the applications meet the basic eligibility requirements and submit recommendations to the governing board of directors for approval.
Why REACH Exists
Washington County, Utah has been grappling with a severe housing crisis. The region has experienced significant population growth, driven by factors like its desirable climate, outdoor recreational opportunities, and lower cost of living compared to other areas in the state. However, this rapid growth has led to a strain on the local housing market, causing many challenges. Programs such as ours ensure housing options are available, and help home buyers afford a home sooner than they would otherwise.
housing
Housing is the basis of stability and security,
and is the center of our social, emotional
and sometimes economic lives.
“Home is the nicest word there is.”
— Laura Ingalls Wilder
Grant Programs Change Lives
Down payment assistance programs exist to help individuals and families overcome one of the most significant barriers to homeownership: the down payment. For many potential homebuyers, especially first-time buyers, and those from low to moderate income backgrounds, saving up enough money for a down payment can be an insurmountable obstacle. Additionally, these programs are designed to increase access to homeownership for groups who might otherwise struggle to buy a home. Homeownership is often seen as a cornerstone of building wealth and financial security, so these programs help bridge that gap.
Grants for housing organizations are essential because they help address critical issues in the housing sector, from affordability to homelessness to community development. These grants provide financial support for organizations that are working to solve some of the most pressing housing challenges. By supporting housing organizations, we help enable essential work that improves lives, strengthens communities, and helps to provide long-term solutions to housing challenges. Without this funding, many of these programs and services wouldn’t exist or would be severely limited in scope.
An Unaffordable Housing Market
Washington County has experienced robust population and economic growth over the past two decades. The unintended consequences of growth have presented many challenges, including the acceleration of housing prices, resulting in an unaffordable market.
High Median Sales Price
At the end of 2024, the median sales price for a home in Washington County hit $520,000 (7th in the state) compared to $500,000 for the State of Utah.
Future Housing Demand
Over the next decade, Washington County’s population is projected to increase by 30.4%, which translates into 29,000 new housing units.
Evolving Demographics
Between 2010 and 2023, the county’s population grew by 64,000 people (46% increase) with 83% of that growth driven by net migration.
Job & Wage Growth
Washington County added over 2,500 jobs since 2019. While wages have increased 58% since 2010, the median household income of $77,500 sits 17% lower than the state average.
Path to Homeownership
The path to homeownership is almost non-existent, and renters continue to face affordability challenges. 63% of Washington County’s renters are spending 30% or more on housing costs.
Single-Family Market
Washington County ranked 3rd in the state in terms of building permits, with 33,000 new housing units permitted between 2010 and 2023. Single family starts accounted for 71% of all starts.
In Washington County, the average buyer needs to have an income of approx $149,000
(as of mid-2024) to afford the area’s median priced home.
-Dejan Eskic, Bonneville Analytics
2024 Past Grant Recipients
Emily Merkley, Executive Officer
Sue Gatchell, President
Jodi White, President Elect
Tammy Houchen, Past President
1070 West 1600 South
Suite A101
St. George, Utah 84770
CONTACT US
(435) 628-7374
[email protected]