May 25, 2021 - Last summer after George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis, MAHA members, staff and board came together to draft a bold 12 point challenge to close the racial homeownership gap and called it our Homeownership Justice Vision. We formally released that plan in February 2021. Subtitled “A Plan for Good Trouble” after the late activist and Congressman John Lewis, the challenge includes tripling lending in the state’s most affordable mortgage – the ONE Mortgage and ONE+Boston program through the Massachusetts Housing Partnership and area lenders; a $100 million investment for first-generation homebuyers allowing MAHA to offer matches for homebuyers as high as 10:1; and new affordable homeownership opportunities, funded by new revenue streams, so that those making modest incomes can afford to buy a home.
“We need to scale programs like ONE, add new race-conscious policies and programs, and be intentional about ALL housing policies if we are to move the needle on the racial wealth gap,” said Esther Dupie, president of MAHA’s Board of Directors. “Our Homeownership Justice Vision is a direct challenge to corporate Massachusetts and government officials at the local, state and federal levels. We invite you to join us and to meet this movement now.”
On the one year anniversary of George Floyd's murder, MAHA is committing to making the next year of year of progress. Progress on securing commitments from lenders for more lending in the state's most affordable mortgage programs. Progress on expanding our STASH program for first-generation homebuyers. And progress on building more homes for homebuyers of color who are disproportionately impacted by the extrodinarily high prices in Boston, greater Boston and all of Massachusetts.
