The initiative will utilize the grassroots
structure of the Cleveland Branch NAACP to provide
outreach, education and a variety of technical
assistance that serve to facilitate the
homeownership process. The Cleveland 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
Cleveland.
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.