Community Lending Initiatives in Mortgage Banking
A proven partner for lenders of all types — banks, credit unions, IMBs, and CDFIs — seeking to grow mortgage production in underserved communities. Data-driven strategy, expert guidance, and a fully documented plan delivered by professionals with over 100 years of combined mortgage and compliance experience.
What is CLIMB?
HCA works with CLIMB lending partners to develop sustainable mission-business models, innovative products with liquidity, and equitable programs that reach underserved communities. We aren't just consultants — we join your bench to increase production and service.
For Banks, Credit Unions & IMBs
- Affordable lending strategy and CRA/fair lending planning
- Market and product gap analysis for underserved communities
- SPCP design, CDFI affiliation strategy, and partnership development
- Documented implementation plan with milestone tracking
For CDFIs & Nonprofit Lenders
- 'CLIMB the Lending Ladder': from packaging to direct origination
- CDFI certification support, Treasury compliance, and AMIS guidance
- Affordable product design and liquidity strategies
- Capacity building for sustainable 1st mortgage production
CLIMB by the Numbers
$3B+
In Affordable Loan Production
65+
Lending Institutions & Partners Reached
28+
Nonprofit Partners Trained in 1st Mortgage Production
50
States with Active CLIMB-Supported Programs
Based on five years of CLIMB partnerships, 2019–2024.
How CLIMB Works
Upfront Planning & Assessment
Before our first session, HCA reviews your organization's current lending data, market footprint, product lineup, CRA and fair lending posture, and community partnerships — so our experts arrive ready to add value from day one.
Generative Discovery Sessions
A structured series of virtual working sessions between HCA subject matter experts and your senior leadership team. Sessions cover market opportunity analysis, product gap identification, partnership strategy, community outreach models, and operational capacity — tailored to your institution type and goals.
Tactical Action Plans
Every CLIMB engagement concludes with a fully documented report and resource package: a market analysis, product design recommendations, a partnership strategy, a tactical implementation plan with milestones, and curated resources to support your team's execution. You leave with a clear, actionable roadmap, not a deck.
Subject Matter Experts
CLIMB is powered by seasoned mortgage and affordable housing professionals with decades of hands-on experience.
Howard Banker
Subject Matter Expert
Howie serves as a Subject Matter Expert in HCA's CLIMB program, providing training, guidance, and capacity-building support. He brings more than 40 years of experience as a mortgage lender and nonprofit leader, with deep expertise in housing finance organizations and CDFI lending. Throughout his career, Howie has focused on expanding homeownership opportunities for underserved communities through collaborative, credible, and mission-driven programs. His areas of expertise include nonprofit mortgage banking, innovative financing structures, partnership development, fair housing policy and programs, and consumer lending. Howie's extensive background includes leadership roles such as Chief Lending Officer at the Center for NYC Neighborhoods, Director of Housing Finance at NJ Community Capital, Executive Director of the Fair Mortgage Collaborative, Managing Director at Energy Programs Consortium, Executive Vice President of Financial Services at Opportunity Finance Network, and Special Assistant to the President at BNY Mortgage Company, among other senior positions.
Brad Blower
Subject Matter Expert
Brad provides expert guidance on fair lending and fair housing issues, including Special Purpose Credit Programs, the Community Reinvestment Act, model development, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence and data. He brings more than 35 years of legal, policy, and strategic experience in fair lending, consumer protection, and community reinvestment. His work centers on helping organizations navigate complex regulatory environments, anticipate emerging risks, and align their strategic goals with compliance and community impact. Brad's extensive background includes leadership and legal roles such as General Counsel at the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, counsel at the civil rights firm Relman Colfax, head of fair lending at American Express, and senior attorney positions at both the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission. He also provides direct advisory services to clients through his consulting firm, Inclusive-Partners LLC. Brad is a graduate of Duke Law School and Yale University.
Rashmi Pendse
Subject Matter Expert
Rashmi provides expertise on community development strategies and the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). She is a systems thinker and problem solver who translates strategic priorities into executable programs, partnerships, and operating models that create value and drive impact. Rashmi collaborates across corporate, philanthropic, government, and nonprofit sectors to improve stakeholder experiences and outcomes, with experience spanning impact investing, health and aging, financial inclusion, and housing and community development. Rashmi led a $27M portfolio at Mastercard's Center for Inclusive Growth, co-designed and launched the Citi Impact Fund—now a $500M initiative—and supported cities in using data to strengthen policy, investments, and service delivery. Her recent work includes advising New York City agencies on aging in place and health equity as an Urban Design Forum Forefront Fellow, directing small business and workforce initiatives at Mastercard, and leading community development strategies that expand access to capital and services for underserved communities. Rashmi's past experience includes roles with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), World Bank Group; DAI/USAID; and Merrill Lynch.
Julie St. Jean
Subject Matter Expert
Julie advises emerging Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) and organizations considering becoming or building a CDFI. Her extensive background in community development spans national intermediary work and local and regional housing and CDFI program leadership. In addition to her work as an SME with HCA, Julie provides CDFI application writing and direct assistance to organizations. Julie has a long track record with the US Treasury Department's applications and programming.
What CLIMB Partners Say
"In less than a year after our launch, we reached over $100M in originations with HCA's support."
LaTasha Waddy
NFM Lending
Ready to Grow Your Underserved Lending?
Whether you're a bank building a CRA strategy, an IMB entering new markets, or a CDFI climbing the lending ladder, HCA's CLIMB team is ready to help. Book a discovery call and we'll come prepared.
Book a Discovery Call