The Inheritance Fund is a program created by the City of Saint Paul as a cornerstone initiative of Mayor Melvin Carter. It offers interest-free loans for down payment assistance to descendants of homeowners displaced from the West Side Flats due to the construction of the Riverview Industrial Park.
WSCO has been contracted by the City to:
1. Verify descendancy of applicants
2. Support families throughout the application process.
Applications are now open.
3 Steps to Get Started
-
Thoroughly Review Program Guidelines
For detailed information on eligibility and the full process, read the HRA's Downpayment Assistance Program Guidelines -
Get Prequalified for a Mortgage
You must have a letter from a bank confirming you’ve been prequalified before applying. -
Complete the Interest Form
Start your application here
View a full STEP-BY-STEP Guide to the Inheritance Fund Application
Need Help With Your Application?
WSCO is here for you. Drop in during Inheritance Fund Assistance Office Hours:
Mondays | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Thursdays | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: 209 Page St W, Saint Paul, MN
Julia, our descendancy verifier, will be available to answer questions and help you through the process.
Need a different time? Call, text, or email Julia to schedule an appointment.
📞 612-946-8940
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the Inheritance Fund?
You must:
-
- Be a direct descendant (child or grandchild) of a displaced property owner
- Be prequalified for a mortgage
- Earn at or below 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI) (See a chart of income limits)
- Complete a HUD-approved homebuyer counseling course (See a list of upcoming workshop dates in St. Paul)
- Purchase a home within Saint Paul city limits
How is household income calculated in multigenerational households?
All adult household members’ income is counted.
Example: If a grandmother, mother, and adult grandson all plan to live together in the new home, all their incomes will be included in the calculation, even if only the mother is on the mortgage.
How many people in my family can apply?
There is no limit to how many direct descendants (children and grandchildren) of a displaced homeowner can apply — but each person must apply separately and be prepared to go through the homebuying process individually.
Example: If a mother and daughter both want to benefit from the Inheritance Fund, they must each apply separately, qualify separately, and each must purchase their own home.
If they plan to purchase one home to live in together, then only one of them needs to apply.
How does WSCO verify direct descendancy?
1. Initial Search: WSCO checks the City’s database of displaced homeowners
Sources include:
- Appraisal sheets
- HRA records
- Port Authority documents
- Research in Action data
2. Follow-Up: If you're family member is not found in the database
We’ll ask for more info such as:
- Former street or neighborhood
- Family members’ names
- Military service or affiliations
Using tools like Ancestry.com, census records, and old phone books, we look for documented connections to properties in the Flats.
3. Final Review:
If needed, we consult with the City’s Historic Preservation Specialist.Why are renters being left out?
You're not alone in asking this. Many renters on the Flats lost their homes and community too. WSCO acknowledges the deep impact displacement had on renters. We're actively advocating for future resources that are more inclusive of ALL who were displaced, not just homeowners.
Your voice matters in this process. If you’re interested in helping WSCO celebrate the history and legacy of the West Side Flats, please reach out to Julia.