Recognizing the harm that has been aimed at the Black and African American community as it relates to homeownership is key to understanding why there is mistrust toward those who approach the community claiming to want to help. It is fact that the journey towards homeownership can seem more so out of reach for Black and brown homebuyers as a result of years of systemically discriminatory practices against Black and brown communities, such as redlining and predatory banking practices. Today, 44% of Black Americans own a home whereas 72.7 % of white Americans own a home.
The Pathways to Homeownership program is a partnership between Tacoma/ Pierce County Habitat for Humanity and the Tacoma Urban League that seeks to address the challenges that have created racial disparity in homeownership rates. Empowering the Black community through financial education and housing counseling support is the main focus of the program, while working towards the ultimate goal of increasing Black homeownership rates within Pierce County.
Pathways to HomeownershipThe Pathways to Homeownership program aims to raise Black homeownership rates within the Tacoma/Pierce County region and expand opportunities for families to build a legacy of generational wealth through homeownership. We strive to empower the community by increasing access to homebuyer education, support, resources, and a network of dedicated professionals. We provide monthly one-on-one housing counseling, financial counseling, and financial education to support you in achieving and maintaining homeownership. |
One of the best ways to support a potential homebuyer is through education and information sharing, which sets up prospective homeowners to be their own best advocates, and confidently be able to make the best decisions for themselves and their families. Housing counselors at Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity do just that by offering pre-purchase counseling and support as people go on the emotional journey made tougher by mistrust in a system that has historically harmed their communities. Trust is a key component to any relationship, and this is especially so in a client/counselor relationship.
The cultivation of safe spaces is important in building trusted relationships. Since 1968, the Tacoma Urban League has passionately served the Black, brown, and marginalized communities focusing on economic, social and civic empowerment. It functions as not only a hub for community resources, but also as a safe space for the BIPOC and marginalized communities. Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity has been a champion of affordable housing since 1985, striving toward the mission of helping people achieve and preserve homeownership and to build generational wealth, hope and opportunity.
The Pathways to Homeownership program seeks to expand the reach of homeownership preparedness resources to the Black and African American community through combined efforts expanding pre-existing support services offered by each partner organization. Two dedicated days out of the week in the afternoons, a housing counselor from Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity is on site at the Tacoma Urban League office to be an easily accessible point of contact to accommodate any person who walks in seeking homeownership resources or guidance. One-on-one housing and financial counseling are provided by a HUD-certified and AFCPE certified counselor at no cost to community.
To further help support anyone seeking knowledge on how to financially prepare for homeownership, workshops focused on financial education have been offered both virtually and in person. Having the ability to host the workshops both at the Tacoma Urban League and the Tacoma Habitat offices makes it easier to meet the community where they are at. Because of this collaboration, Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity has a wider reach in the Black and African American community.
Inspired by the partnership with the Tacoma Urban League, the Pathways to Homeownership team looks for other creative ways to meet the community where they are. One way to do this is through outreach via locally owned Black businesses. What started out as simply asking for recommendations on where to get food or hair products evolved into, “Let’s host team meetings at Black owned small businesses.” This then morphed into, “How can they further support these amazing businesses and share them with the community?” These “Taste of Tacoma” adventures have inspired us to eventually incorporate the rotation of the promotion or spotlight of a local Black owned business in the events that we host to the community.
To learn more about homeownership opportunities in Pierce County with Habitat check out owninpierce.com and/or owninpiercetoolkit.com.
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