by Najee El-Amin —
Homebuyer education and assistance – an ongoing need in the Memphis area – recently got a $50,000 boost from the Bank of America.
On December 15, Bank of America named United Housing, Inc. as its latest Neighborhood Champions recipient. As a result, the nonprofit will be receiving $50,000 in grant support, along with top-of-the-line leadership training.
“As we consider many of the challenges that our communities are facing – from the health and humanitarian crisis brought on by the coronavirus to the need for progress on racial equality and economic opportunity – the Neighborhood Champions program is a relevant and timely initiative to support the communities we serve,” said Livingston Albritten, Memphis market president, Bank of America.
Neighborhood Champions is an extension of Bank of America’s philanthropic initiative Neighborhood Builders. Since its inception in 2019, the mission has been to elevate the work of the community’s most impactful nonprofit businesses to the next level. Recipients are selected by a group of the community’s leading figures.
The program has invested $4.2 million over its lifespan. Grant funds to United Housing will help to expand its nationally recognized curriculum, along with strengthening the home renovation division. United Housing also will receive virtual management training on financial sustainability and storytelling and other items.
“This program enables partners like United Housing to plan strategically for growth and long-term sustainability,” said Albritten, “and we look forward to seeing how this investment helps United Housing make even greater strides to address homebuyer education and assistance in the Memphis area.”
United Housing has supported Mid-South residents for 25-plus years. The organization provides financial literacy training and mortgage lending, and also plays a role in constructing and renovating homes.
“We are beyond grateful to Bank of America for this support and recognition,” said Amy Schaftlein, executive director for United Housing.
“The next year represents a critical time for our industry and community, and these funds will be used to meet essential needs in Memphis.”
The Neighborhood Champions program has assisted 84 organizations in 42 communities nationwide, including first-year recipient Code Crew, a Memphis-based youth information technology mentoring program.
Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders initiative is the largest corporate philanthropic investment in nonprofit leadership in the country.
