At HomeFree-USA, we are thrilled to highlight our esteemed partner, Wells Fargo, for their continued commitment to expanding homeownership opportunities in underserved communities. Through their latest initiative, the return of the NeighborhoodLIFT® program to Philadelphia, Wells Fargo is making a transformative impact in helping families achieve the dream of homeownership.
A $5 Million Investment in Philadelphia Homebuyers
On February 20, 2025, Wells Fargo announced a generous $5 million philanthropic investment in collaboration with the City of Philadelphia, the Affordable Housing Center of Pennsylvania (ACHOPA), and RiseUp Fund. This initiative will provide up to $15,000 in homebuyer assistance per eligible participant, significantly reducing financial barriers for first-time homebuyers.
The NeighborhoodLIFT program has been strategically designed to tackle common obstacles to homeownership. Beyond traditional downpayment assistance, funds can also be applied toward debt reduction, interest rate adjustments, or closing costs, helping to make homeownership more accessible and sustainable. With this effort, an estimated 260 first-time homebuyers in Philadelphia will receive the financial and educational support needed to step into homeownership with confidence.
The Power of Partnership: Wells Fargo & HomeFree-USA
As a leading homeownership development nonprofit, HomeFree-USA is honored to play a crucial role in this initiative. Our mission is to ensure that aspiring homeowners are well-prepared for the journey ahead. Marcia Griffin, Founder and CEO of HomeFree-USA, expressed our organization’s enthusiasm:
“HomeFree-USA is honored to be a part of this outstanding homebuying strategy. NeighborhoodLIFT provides the downpayment support, preparation, and long-term post-closing guidance needed to ensure borrowers keep their homes for life. NeighborhoodLIFT aims to ‘lift’ more individuals and families into homeownership, and our nonprofit partners in Philadelphia—ACHOPA and RiseUp Fund—will help homebuyers to make their journey home a success.”
Wells Fargo: A Champion for Housing Affordability
Wells Fargo has been at the forefront of supporting sustainable homeownership through impactful initiatives like NeighborhoodLIFT. Darlene Goins, president of the Wells Fargo Foundation, emphasized the significance of this investment:
“Making homeownership more affordable will help hard-working people create generational wealth and strengthen Philadelphia neighborhoods. NeighborhoodLIFT has helped thousands of people across the country purchase their first home and, alongside Mayor Parker and our nonprofit leaders, we look forward to helping more Philadelphia residents achieve the dream of homeownership.”
Homeownership: A Pathway to Generational Wealth
At HomeFree-USA, we understand that homeownership is more than just acquiring property—it is a vehicle for building intergenerational wealth and strengthening communities. With Wells Fargo’s NeighborhoodLIFT program, families who may have previously faced significant financial hurdles now have the opportunity to invest in their futures and create stability for generations to come.
Join the Movement
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the NeighborhoodLIFT program and how it can help make homeownership a reality, stay connected with HomeFree-USA. We remain dedicated to empowering homebuyers, fostering financial resilience, and closing the racial wealth gap through homeownership.
To learn more about Wells Fargo’s commitment to housing affordability, visit www.wellsfargo.com or follow them on LinkedIn: Wells Fargo LinkedIn.
Thank you, Wells Fargo, for being a steadfast partner in the journey toward homeownership equity and accessibility!
