FHLBank San Francisco Commits $13 Million to Boost Affordable Homeownership

The 2026 WISH Program will provide up to $32,837 in downpayment and closing cost assistance for low-income first-time homebuyers.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:51pm by Ben Kaplan

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A minimalist, photorealistic studio still life featuring a set of house keys, a calculator, and a stack of documents, representing the financial planning and paperwork involved in the homebuying process.A symbolic still life highlighting the financial assistance and guidance that helps low-income first-time homebuyers overcome barriers to homeownership.San Francisco Today

The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco) has announced a $13 million allocation for its 2026 Workforce Initiative Subsidy for Homeownership (WISH) Program. The WISH Program provides matching grants to help low-income families and individuals achieve the dream of homeownership, with a maximum subsidy of $32,837 per homebuyer.

Why it matters

The WISH Program is a vital resource for aspiring homeowners in Arizona, California, and Nevada, which are among the least affordable housing markets in the U.S. The program has delivered more than $178 million in assistance to over 10,000 low-income homebuyers since 2000, helping to expand access to affordable housing and homeownership.

The details

The 2026 WISH Program will provide $4-to-$1 matching grants to eligible first-time homebuyers earning at or below 80% of the area median income. Prior to receiving a WISH grant, homebuyers must complete a homebuyer counseling program. FHLBank San Francisco is now accepting applications from member institutions to participate in the WISH Program on a rolling basis through March 12, 2027.

  • FHLBank San Francisco announced the $13 million WISH Program allocation on March 31, 2026.
  • The WISH Program will be open for applications from member institutions through March 12, 2027.

The players

FHLBank San Francisco

The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco is a member-driven cooperative that provides tools and resources to its member financial institutions to help promote homeownership, finance affordable housing, and drive economic vitality in Arizona, California, and Nevada.

Winthrop Watson

The interim president and chief executive officer of FHLBank San Francisco.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Arizona, California, and Nevada are among the least affordable housing markets in the U.S. for aspiring homeowners, making WISH grants a vital resource for helping hundreds of families reach their dream of homeownership each year.”

— Winthrop Watson, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, FHLBank San Francisco

What’s next

FHLBank San Francisco is now accepting applications from member institutions to participate in the WISH Program on a rolling basis through March 12, 2027. First-time homebuyers interested in learning more about WISH matching grants are encouraged to contact a participating member institution directly.

The takeaway

The WISH Program's continued funding and expansion demonstrates FHLBank San Francisco's ongoing commitment to addressing housing affordability and enabling more low-income families and individuals to achieve the dream of homeownership, which can serve as a pathway to building generational wealth.