Develop the Developer Academy Builds the Talent Pipeline Needed to Solve America’s Affordable Housing Crisis
HomeFree-USA has opened applications for its Fall 2026 Develop the Developer℠ Academy, an intensive real estate development training program designed to help aspiring and emerging developers build sustainable businesses and create housing that strengthens Maryland communities. The Fall 2026 Academy will place a special emphasis on multifamily development. Participants will receive practical education covering project […]
Expand the Path to Homeownership: Creditworthy Borrowers are Being Overlooked
Lost Market Share, Reduced Originations, and Missed Long-Term Customer Relations By Marcia Griffin, Founder & CEO, HomeFree-USA For decades, we have talked about homeownership as a cornerstone of economic mobility. Yet for too many Americans – especially younger generations and many first-time buyers — homeownership remains out of reach. Millennials and Gen […]
Experian & HomeFree-USA Award $40K to Fisk University Team for BFF Campaign
Four-student team presented social-first “FinCheck” campaign targeting Gen Z to promote greater financial literacy Costa Mesa, Calif. (March 3, 2026) – For the second consecutive year, a four-student team from Fisk University took the top prize in the 2026 #IYKYK Pitch Competition (If You Know, You Know) for their idea to amplify Experian’s Big Financial Friend campaign, sponsored by […]
Women Hit Hardest by Federal Layoffs Face New Financial and Housing Pressures
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Britani Lindsay britanil@homefreeusa.org New Focus Group Reveals the Emotional Toll of Job Loss on Homeowners Maryland — Mortgage providers want to help their clients, and they have programs designed to help homeowners get through a financial crisis. But many women who have suffered a recent job loss are afraid that asking […]
Homeownership May Help Consumers Handle Rising Healthcare Costs in 2026
Financial expert shares how local residents can prepare for economic challenges in the new year. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 22, 2025 Contact: Britani Lindsay britanil@homefreeusa.org Landover, MD – Rising healthcare costs, federal government layoffs, and inflation are among the biggest concerns of local residents going into 2026, but homeowners may be able to gain financial […]
The Future of Financial Services
AI is transforming the financial services industry. Here’s how nonprofits are changing the game. In the financial services industry, it’s not enough to check in occasionally with leads to assess their financial needs. Tracking potential homebuyers at every segment of the sales cycle is critical to success. Factor in an uncertain economy that is being […]
Honoring Our Affiliate Awardees at the Reaching Millions Conference
From September 14–17, 2025, HomeFree-USA hosted its annual Reaching Millions Leadership & Business Development Conference in Denver, Colorado. This gathering brought together hundreds of leaders, lenders, housing counselors, developers, and advocates all committed to one mission: expanding homeownership and building wealth for diverse communities nationwide. One of the highlights of the conference was the opportunity […]
Over $1M in assistance has already helped more than 100 Philadelphians become first-time homeowners
HomeFree-USA is thrilled to celebrate—with Wells Fargo’s extraordinary $5 million investment in the NeighborhoodLIFT Program—that, in less than three months, we have removed barriers to homeownership for 111 first-time homebuyers, with another 42 in process, as of September 2nd. Many thanks to Mayor Cherelle Parker and the City of Philadelphia for your support, as well […]
HomeFree-USA Center for Financial Advancement® Announces 2025 Annual Recognition Award Honorees
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Celebrating Excellence in Partnership, Leadership, and Scholar Achievement Celebration is a powerful way to affirm the values that guide us. The HomeFree-USA Center for Financial Advancement® (CFA) proudly announces the recipients of its 2025 Annual Recognition Awards, honoring the outstanding partners, universities, liaisons, and scholars who have exemplified the mission of financial empowerment, leadership, […]
Develop the Developer℠ Academy Opens Applications, Supported by Freddie Mac and Industry Partners
HomeFree-USA Opens Applications for 2025 Develop the Developer℠ Academy, With Support from Freddie Mac and Industry Partners Empowering Local Developers to Build Stronger Communities – Applications Due September 26 Landover– September 2nd, 2025 — HomeFree-USA is proud to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Develop the Developer℠ Academy (DTDA) — a five-day […]