HOME OWNERSHIP INITIATIVE

The initiative will utilize the grassroots structure of the Detroit Branch NAACP to provide outreach, education and a variety of technical assistance that serve to facilitate the homeownership process. The Detroit Branch NAACP has partnered with lenders and counselors who have demonstrated their commitment to increasing access to affordable mortgage products and quality homebuyer education for communities in the city of Detroit.

Owning a home or a business is the centerpiece of the American dream. African Americans have battled housing and lending discrimination, economic disenfranchisement and social inequality to achieve that dream throughout this nation's history. The NAACP's Home Ownership and Business Initiative (HBI) is a strong ally in the battle, promoting and facilitating educational workshops on financial planning and wealth building for interested participants who want to buy a home, start a business or expand an existing one.

Homeownership strengthens families and communities, and provides a foundation for economic success. A child who grows up in a stable home has already taken the first step on the road to success. HBI has made a increasing African American homeownership a top priority. Perhaps the greatest barrier to homeownership for most African Americans is lack of access to mortgage loans. HBI strives to remove that barrier by educating families about the loan process, partnering with lenders and mortgage counseling agencies, and helping African Americans take advantage of low-cost home loan programs.