10 Things Your Faith Community Can Do to Encourage Homeownership

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Faith-based organizations, because of the depth of their roots in communities, can do a great deal to increase homeownership in America. If your organization is interested in how you can encourage homeownership, here is a list of 10 things you can do.

Introduction

Homebuying and homeownership are a vital part of the American dream. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, some of the most prevalent issues families face that deter them in buying a home are:

• A lack of inventory of affordable single-family housing available for sale in many areas where a majority of residents are minority families;
• A need for down payment assistance, which affects minority families to a greater extent than non-Hispanic whites because they have less accumulated wealth that can be used to help children with down payments;
• A lack of access to affordable mortgage credit;
• A lack of understanding of the homebuying process;
• Weak credit histories, often arising from a poor understanding of financial matters and where financial counseling is required;
• A lack of information about available homeownership programs in the community; and
• Language difficulties or cultural differences.

Informed and compassionate faith-based organizations (FBOs) have a unique opportunity to assist potential homeowners so that families can overcome these obstacles and realize the American Dream.

Faith-based organizations (FBO's) across the nation play a significant role in all aspects of a family's life-spiritual, emotional and physical. The following information describes strategic opportunities available to FBOs to extend helping hands to those seeking to realize their dreams. HUD hopes to foster creative ideas that will encourage FBOs to play a greater role with families making the life-changing decision, buying a home.

Brief program descriptions, ideas, tools and links are grouped below according to the specific phases of homebuyer - Preparation, Acquisition and homeownership Maintenance.

Preparation

1. Speak Out About the Benefits of Homeownership
2. Create Partnerships to Educate Potential Homebuyers
3. Encourage Families to Save for a Downpayment
4. Help Families Improve Their Credit Rating
5. Teach Young People about Financial Responsibility
6. Hold an Open House for Homeownership

Acquisition

7. Put Your Faith to Work with Hammer and Nails
8. Encourage Professionals in your Faith Community to Mentor Families

Maintenance

9. Help Your Neighbor by Going the "Extra Mile"
10. Help Homeowners Keep Their Homes