When asked about her key takeaway from her experience, Ms. Ballard says, “The key to homeownership is to have patience.”

Upon retiring 20 years after first seeking homeownership counseling, Ms. Ballard was able to use retirement funds to repair her credit. In 2023, she and her spouse, Terrance Mitchell, continued to pursue homeownership together. Because Mr. Mitchell uses a wheelchair, the couple sought a home that would be affordable on a fixed income with amenities to accommodate his physical abilities. Ms. Ballard and Mr. Mitchell were able to make their dream of becoming homeowners a reality with the support of The Housing Partnership, Inc. (HPI), one of the National Fair Housing Alliance® (NFHA)’s Inclusive Communities grantees. HPI helped them purchase an affordable home, providing the couple with a second mortgage in the form of a zero percent interest Home Access Loan to cover closing costs. Through Louisville Metro’s REVERT program, the couple received $50,000 in rehabilitation funding for home modifications including a new fence, parking pad, and an expanded hallway. Their house would also be installed with a backyard ramp and walk-in tub from Veterans Affairs (VA). Finally, more than 20 years later, Gayle B.’s determination and persistence has paid off, and she has reached her long-time dream of owning a home.

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“The best thing about being a homeowner is the sense of freedom from the uncertainty of rental rates. Knowing that I have a fixed rate gives me peace of mind,” said Rasheda. “I don’t have to worry about my rent increasing and moving to find an affordable place to live. I can plant my roots.”

Rasheda is one of 25 recent ANDP homebuyers who received down payment assistance from ANDP and its partner, National Fair Housing Alliance. In addition, she also received assistance from Atlanta Housing. Rasheda’s home was listed for $329,900, but after applying down payment and closing cost assistance, her mortgage was $274,000.

“As you know, public servants – especially teachers – often feel overworked and underpaid. It’s great to know that programs are available to help give us a leg up on the costly housing market,” said Rasheda. “Like many people, I didn’t think buying a home was possible. But once I began to dig in and research, I realized it was within my reach.”

As a new homeowner, Rasheda is enjoying the benefits. She’s closer to her job, and she is actually paying a little less in her mortgage than she was in rent. And she loves her new, close-knit neighborhood along the Campbellton Corridor in Southwest Atlanta. Rasheda is hearing much about the up-and-coming Campbellton community and is excited about what new amenities may be included.

As aspiring homebuyers examine their homeownership goals, Rasheda has some advice: “This is a big commitment. Be prepared. Do your research. Have patience, and most of all, believe in yourself.”

Rasheda purchased one of ten townhomes in ANDP’s Campbellton development, which was completed in late 2024. Construction of the homes was financed in part by New Markets Tax Credits. The townhomes are at the intersection of Hattie Drive and Dorsey Drive, named in honor of ANDP’s founding president and CEO, who passed away in 2024.

“Public servants dedicate their lives to improving our communities. It is fitting that we honor them and Hattie’s legacy of affordable housing advocacy by continuing to work with partners like National Fair Housing Alliance and others to provide sustainable homeownership,” said John O’Callaghan, ANDP President & CEO. “Welcome home, Rasheda!”

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“I never really looked at owning a home because I said, you know, as long as I am a single woman, I didn’t want to be responsible for the furnace or the hot water tank or plumbing, electricity, none of that.”

The turning point came when Shawquista realized the financial drain of renting. Paying $2,200 a month for a two-bedroom apartment, she faced the daunting prospect of giving her landlord $38,000 over another year. This realization propelled her to explore homeownership. Shawquista’s path was not straightforward; as a business owner, she faced rigorous scrutiny during the mortgage application process. Despite the challenges, she persevered, attending homeownership classes and partnering with a trusted real estate agent.

Shawquista received the financial assistance to propel her over the homeownership finish line from the Maude Hill Growing Homeownership Fund, a Special Purpose Credit Program launched in 2023 to close Black and minority homeownership gaps through targeted down payment assistance, comprehensive housing counseling, and wrap-around supports for sustainable ownership. The Fund is administered by Homeport, a non-profit housing developer in Columbus, Ohio with 22 years of experience administering down payment assistance for low- and moderate-income households. For Shawquista, it provided the crucial financial assistance needed for closing costs, allowing her to transition into her new home without incurring debt.

“The Maude Hill Growing Ownership Fund tremendously helped me because I did not have all the monies that I needed to have for the closing costs.”

Today, Shawquista revels in the joys of her new home, particularly her beloved balcony. More importantly, she recognizes the significance of her achievement for her family’s future. “I’m very thankful and grateful to be here. And I love saying that it’s mine,” she says, emphasizing the importance of legacy and the opportunity to support her daughter through college.

Shawquista is one among many who have realized the dream of homeownership thanks to support from the Maude Hill Growing Homeownership Fund. NFHA is proud to support Homeport’s dedication to provide race-conscious homeownership support for Black people and communities of color. Her story underscores the importance of equitable housing opportunities and the profound difference they can make in someone’s life. Shawquista’s newfound stability not only changes her own life trajectory but also sets a new course for her family.

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“He is so much happier and more comfortable. It means a lot to our three young kids and me to see his spirits lifted.”

Mr. N has a degree in kinesiology and is the strength and conditioning coach for a professional rugby team based in Glendale, CO. He has a passion for coaching and is very good at it. He was a semi-professional rugby player himself until he was diagnosed with ALS and osteoarthritis in both hips. He has had to undergo a total hip replacement and continues to use a walker, and will likely soon need to use a wheelchair or power chair.

The home modifications funded by NFHA have improved Mr. N’s mobility around his house in ways that have truly, as his family wrote, “lifted his spirits.” The modifications have made traveling to his medical appointments much easier for him physically (which have made them better experiences for him overall), ensured that he has the confidence, appearance, and access necessary to continue coaching and interacting with the sport he loves, and facilitated his wife’s ability to be the primary caretaker not only for him but for their family of 3 children and 4 pets, while working a full time job.

The projects included: a ramp connecting the house to Mr. N’s favorite sun room, widening doorways in the house that would enable him to use a wheelchair or powerchair, ADA-accessible shower, toilet, and bidet, and a touch sink faucet.

These modifications allow Mr. N to lead a more comfortable daily life, thereby greatly improving both his physical and mental health. They will also help him to be able to continue working for as long as he is able and permitted. His wife is happy to see him able to spend more time with their young kids (ages 3, 7, and 9) inside and outside the home, as well as get out to spend time with friends and family.

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Neighborhood Development Alliance, St. Paul, MN

Mary & Roberto’s Journey to Homeownership

Read their story

Homewise, Albuquerque, NM

Suan’s First Home

Read her story

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Philadelphia, PA

Jeanie’s Purple Garden Paradise

read her story at PHS

PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, PHILADELPHIA, PA

Al, Ricardo, and Monty on the Transformative Experience of PHS’s Workforce Development Programs

read their stories at phs

Home Builders Foundation, Denver, CO

Accessibility Projects for Mr. N

read his story

Homeport, Columbus, OH

Shawquista: Building a Legacy

Read her story

The Housing Partnership Inc. (HPI), Louisville, KY

Dedication and Patience Pay off for Gayle B.

read her story

Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership (ANDP), Atlanta, GA

Special Education Teacher Takes Comfort in Housing Stability

Read rasheda’s story

The post Inclusive Communities Fund: Impact Stories and Grantee Spotlights appeared first on NFHA.

With the aid of homebuyer counseling and downpayment assistance, Suan was able to purchase her first home. Her house is just a block away from her sister, and she is making plans to invite her mother and nieces to live with her so that the family can all be together. Suan’s journey is a testament to the power of community and the transformative effects of removing obstacles so that individuals like Suan and so many others can secure not just a house, but a place to plant roots, create memories, and build a secure future.

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As Roberto and Mary continue to save, new obstacles arose: rapidly increasing home prices and interest rates complicated their savings journey towards a home. When NeDA became a grantee of NFHA’s Inclusive Communities Fund, the last piece of the mathematic puzzle fell into place. The ICF funds along with FAIM savings successfully closed the gap families faced between their savings and purchasing a home.

With the support of NFHA under the Inclusive Communities Fund, Mary and Roberto were able to proceed with applying and being approved for the ITIN loan, get a trusted realtor, and begin the process of selecting and buying a home. NeDA said, “This began one of the most beautiful journeys for their family. It was also incredibly rewarding for each of us at NeDA who were with them at each step of the way, to see their dream come true.” On March 6^, 2023, they closed on their home and began a new chapter of building their wealth as a family.  

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