Issue link: https://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/1479050
I n 2021, the Coalition for More Housing Choices joined a network of associations and organizations to launch the Black Homeownership Initiative with the goal of closing the gap between Black and white homeownership rates in Washington state. The Coalition—representing a spectrum of nonprofit, business, civic, and labor organizations, including MBAKS— came together to develop a plan to build enough homes to accommodate regional growth in a way that "benefits current residents" and offers affordable housing choices. The Black Homeownership Initiative was a natural outgrowth of the Coalition's approach to housing with its strong focus on equity, seeking to align "infrastructure development, housing production and preservation, and underwriting and lending" to double the Black homeownership rate in the state. They have their work cut out for them. BY JAMES SLONE CONTENT STRATEGIST MBAKS A history of exclusionary housing policies has meant that people of color and other minorities have been denied the financial equity, stability, and peace of mind that comes with homeownership. MENDING THE GAP The Black Homeownership Initiative is working to close the homeownership gap. 40 master BUILDER | FALL 2022 FEATURE STORY