Closing the Wealth Gap Through Homeownership
The only national nonprofit dedicated to developing and expanding homeownership through well-designed mortgage products, programs, and delivery systems.
Powered by passion.
Guided by expertise.
Homeownership Council of America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit staffed by deeply experienced mortgage and community development lending professionals — guided by a knowledgeable Board of Directors and National Advisory Council of industry leaders and advocates.
Our Focus
Reducing barriers for consumers seeking to access mortgage credit, receive down payment assistance, and build wealth through homeownership.
National DPA Platform
A national investment and deployment solution delivering outstanding results for first-time and first-generation homebuyers and the lenders who serve them.
ReadyOwn WebApp
A homebuyer readiness tool that helps consumers prepare for mortgage qualification while connecting them with DPA programs and participating lenders.
CLIMB Initiative
Expanding homeownership access and mortgage delivery among investors, lenders, and nonprofits serving underserved communities.
HCA is focused on closing the wealth gap among people of color, low-income, and rural populations who continually lag in homeownership rates — and we continuously innovate in service to that mission.
Mission
Advancing a wealthier future for all Americans through innovative programs, partnerships, and products that make homeownership more attainable.
Vision
A nation where every American, regardless of background, has a clear and supported path to sustainable homeownership and generational wealth building.
Values
Equity, Innovation, Integrity, Impact, Affordability, and Partnership. We believe homeownership is the cornerstone of wealth building in America.
History & Milestones
Founded
Incorporated and received 501(c)3 status, growing from a volunteer effort fostered by Community HousingWorks in San Diego. Quickly grew to 80 collaborating organizations hosting HOME Clinics connecting homebuyers with counseling, Realtors, and lenders.
Foreclosure Crisis Response
Pivoted to develop a foreclosure outreach model, providing help to tens of thousands of people struggling to avoid losing their homes during the national foreclosure crisis.
HUD-Approved Intermediary
Became a HUD-Approved Housing Counseling organization and the first collaborative to earn status as a HUD-Approved National Housing Counseling Intermediary, serving Southern California from San Diego to the Inland Empire.
Virtual Counselor Network
Launched the Virtual Counselor Network (VCN), a new technology allowing counselors and clients to connect virtually for housing, consumer finance, small business, and employment assistance.
Strategic Reinvention
With affordable housing needs shifting and compliance burdens growing, the Board discontinued HUD Intermediary status to refocus on filling the lending gap for underserved communities. Ended the year with new CEO leadership and a strategic planning session.
National Relaunch & CLIMB
Relaunched nationally and introduced CLIMB, Community Lending Initiatives in Mortgage Banking, providing transformative consulting services to the affordable housing and mortgage industry.
SPCP Toolkit & National TA
Led the mortgage industry's development of compliant Special Purpose Credit Programs (SPCPs) under ECOA Reg B. The SPCP Toolkit, developed for NHFA and MBA, was used by hundreds of lenders and the Federal Home Loan Banks, supporting billions in mortgage production in underserved communities.
National DPA Platform
Launched the pilot of a scalable National DPA Platform, piloting across select states before expanding to all 50. We began with an SPCP forgivable DPA and soon added a smaller grant option focused on first-time and first-generation homebuyers.
Growing the Infrastructure and Ecosystem
Our National Advisory Council is building new tools to help consumers identify affordable lending options and bridge the trust gap between underserved homebuyers and the lenders.
Launch of ReadyOwn.app
The launch of ReadyOwn.app for Homeownership Month in June provides a free consumer platform featuring a DPA program and lender search tool. Also included is a Mortgage Readiness Center to help buyers evaluate and strengthen their financial profile, and connect with HUD-approved housing counseling organizations. This is how HCA is connecting underserved homebuyers with the resources they need to succeed nationwide.
Meet Our Leadership
Guided by experienced professionals passionate about expanding access to homeownership.