East Idaho credit unions launch $100M zero-down mortgage program

The participating institutions—Connections Credit Union, Frontier Credit Union, Idaho Central Credit Union, and Westmark Credit Union—are targeting a market where affordability has increasingly sidelined younger adults. With nearly half of Americans aged 18–29 currently living with parents, the program aims to convert renters into owners by aligning interest rates with conventional 30-year fixed mortgages.

Beyond direct financing, the initiative includes mandatory educational workshops on budgeting and home maintenance. GoWest EVP Sharee Adkins noted that the collaboration reflects a broader shift among regional credit unions to prioritize community stability over traditional lending hurdles. Prospective buyers can apply through any of the four partner credit unions or via the GoWest Foundation portal.