RepGen is preparing to embark on the second phase of our Home Ownership Reparative Transfers (HORT) program pilot this summer. Thanks to your ongoing support, we are prepared to make up to eight additional reparative transfers of $25,000 and assist recipients in the process of finding a home.
RepGen is preparing to embark on the second phase of our Home Ownership Reparative Transfers (HORT) program pilot this summer. Thanks to your ongoing support, we are prepared to make up to eight additional reparative transfers of $25,000 and assist recipients in the process of finding a home.
Even under optimal circumstances, being a homebuyer can be difficult. But with high interest rates and housing shortages, it is increasingly challenging for Americans to enjoy this part of the American Dream. The situation is even more difficult when racism is involved. Historic “red lining” might seem like a thing of the past, but we still see that Black Americans are disproportionately turned down for loans or have their properties undervalued. It should come as no surprise that Black Americans are the only minority group with homeownership rates less than 50%.
RepGen’s lessons from HORT first-round participants led to some adjustments in program timing, requirements, and types of support provided. The next cohort, comprised of those applicants who were either “waitlisted” or were unable to complete the program requirements within the timeframe allocated in the first round, will help us assess if the adjustments make a noticeable improvement in helping them reach their home ownership goals as well as help them experience other reparative outcomes. As one first-round recipient explained, having a place to call home brings a feeling of security and peace of mind that “has opened up an avenue that allows me to even be more creative as a person. Because my mind is not consumed with day-to-day mundane things like that because I know I’m okay.” Stay tuned for future progress reports and how you can support this form of reparations in action.