The Black Home Initiative (BHI) aims to create opportunities for 1,500 new low- and moderate-income Black households to own a home in South Seattle, South King County, and North Pierce County in the next 5 years. Our network of private, public, and nonprofit partners has teamed up to transform the systems that have impeded access to homeownership for Black households in the greater Seattle region.

Buying a home can be complicated, even in the best of circumstances. Rising costs and low supply of homes have made homeownership a challenge for many folks in our region, but historical and ongoing racism and exclusion mean this goal is even less attainable for Black households. Across Greater Seattle, the homeownership rate among Black households is 26% — roughly half the rate among white households (51%). Multiple systemic barriers contribute to this gap. It will take collaboration from all areas of the homeownership “ecosystem” – government, lending, realty, nonprofits, and more – to make real change.

The Black Home Initiative focuses on three key areas:

1. 1. Growing the pool of homes available for purchase
   2. Supporting Black households who want to buy a home and obtain a mortgage
   3. Improving the collaboration among public, private, and nonprofit organizations to create a more efficient and effective “ecosystem” for Black homeownership

With a challenging real estate market in the Puget Sound region, as well as systemic racial barriers to homeownership, it can be hard for Black homebuyers to know where to start. Washington Homeownership Resource Center (WHRC) is proud to be a BHI partner, and our role is to provide a helpful starting point for Black homebuyers to access information and resources available through the BHI network. Through our toll-free hotline and online portal, we provide personalized information and referral services to vetted supports, including affordable homeownership programs, pre-purchase education and counseling, down payment assistance opportunities, credit counseling resources, and more.

There is no application to get started. Simply reach out to us via our toll-free hotline or online portal. Depending on your situation and how close you are to purchasing your home, you may choose to complete applications for resources such as down payment assistance or other affordable homeownership programs. Our network’s HUD-certified housing counselors can help you navigate your options, and you can consult with them for free.

Washington Homeownership Resource Center serves homebuyers and homeowners statewide, from every community and demographic group. Our information and referral services are available to all Washingtonians. Through our Black Home Initiative work, we focus on helping Black homebuyers overcome the racist and exclusionary practices – both historical and persistent – they face during the home buying process and homeownership experience.

The first step on your homeownership journey is to contact the Washington Homeownership Resource Center (WHRC) via our toll-free hotline or online portal. WHRC is the information and referral hub for BHI, and our team is here to support your needs and goals. After gathering intake information, we can help you access carefully vetted resources such as a HUD-certified housing counselor who can help you create and navigate your homeownership journey.