Part of NeighborWorks America's mission is ensuring that people can be safely and securely housed. But inequities have made barriers to housing — and to homeownership — especially difficult to surmount for people of color. That's why in 2022 NeighborWorks introduced a new grant, "Accelerating Homeownership for People of Color," with the help of Fifth Third Bank. 

More than 300 people gathered at the NeighborWorks Training Institute this month for "It Takes a Village: Achieving Black Wealth and Economic Prosperity," part of a symposia series with a focus on advancing equity for people of color.

Often when people speak of Black wealth, they talk first of homeownership, and that's certainly one path to get there, explains Sheila Anderson, senior director of NeighborWorks America's Western Region. "But that's not the end all for building wealth." To truly increase wealth and assets in Black households and communities, we must think more broadly, she says.

Acting Comptroller of the Currency Michael J. Hsu featured NeighborWorks America's President & CEO Marietta Rodriguez on a podcast this week. The podcast, released during National Financial Capability Month, highlights the importance of financial health. The goal of discussions like these, Hsu says, is to "improve outcomies for communities and consumers."

Did you know that many Americans can keep more of their money at tax time by getting free tax preparation from IRS-certified volunteer preparers? The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide programs provide free preparation — without upcharges or hidden fees — and serve taxpayers using rigorous IRS preparation standards and certified tax preparers. 

NeighborWorks America released new impact data showing just how much of a difference the organization and its network are making in the field of affordable housing and community development. While the data reflects nationwide housing trends — including a limited inventory of homes and higher home prices — it also shows an increase in the number of homeowners preserved and an increase in the number of rental homes in the network.

Erika Leos, financial program wellness manager for Foundation Communities, feels deeply for the clients who come to her organization with debts accrued from payday loans. The high-interest loans appeal to people who need that last bit of money to help them pay rent or get food on the table.