On September 24 & 25th, the Own the HOU collaborative traveled to Minneapolis, Minnesota to participate in a Wealth Opportunities Realized through Homeownership (WORTH) initiative cohort convening organized by Wells Fargo. In addition to Houston participants, representatives from collaboratives in Atlanta, Milwaukee, New York City, Philadelphia, Richmond, San Diego and rural and tribal areas across the country were in attendance.
Own the HOU, an initiative lead by LISC Houston and funded by Wells Fargo, is designed to close the homeownership gap for people who have traditionally faced barriers in Houston and Harris County. Own the HOU aims to empower 5,000 new households to achieve homeownership while supporting existing homeowners to preserve their homes. As of June 2024, Own the HOU collaborative members have assisted 2,315 homeowners in accessing homeownership in Harris County.
The two-day event was an opportunity for the eight grantees to come together, hear about the successes and challenges taking place in each market and find opportunities to implement best practices. The convening included opportunities for the Own the HOU collaborative to hear directly from Wells Fargo leadership, hear panel presentations on the affordable housing industry, housing innovation and heirs’ property, as well as receive updates on current outcomes and successes taking place across the country.
Own the HOU collaborative members came back energized and recommitted to continue advancing the five strategies in our local implementation plan – outreach and education, addressing mortgage denial rates, reducing construction costs, preserving homeownership, and advocating to change systemic barriers.
We invite you to connect with our network of partners and take advantage of the resources available through Own the HOU. For more information or to get started on your journey to homeownership, reach out to us at Ownthehou.org or email Yvonne Dotie at Ydotie@lisc.org.