Exton, Pennsylvania-based Citadel Credit Union has launched the Home Help Program, a $6 million initiative focused on Black and Hispanic homeownership across Philadelphia County.
The program will provide provides up to $18,000 in assistance for purchase, refinance, or improvement of a primary residence in qualified communities. Funds are available for owner-occupied homes – single-family, condominium, or planned unit development – in eligible majority-minority neighborhoods. The program is open to all qualified borrowers and is not limited to first-time buyers, and the funds received may be combined with other grants, seller assistance, or subordinate financing.
During a soft launch this summer, the program awarded $134,000 in grants, supporting $1.6 million in home financing.
The new program follows a redlining settlement from last October with the US Department of Justice that resolved charges that Citadel provided mortgage lending services to majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in and around Philadelphia at rates far below that of comparable lenders.
“Home Help is dedicated to serving the Philadelphia community by helping more residents achieve the dream of homeownership,” said Lisa Albany, vice president of real estate at Citadel Credit Union. “Through targeted grants and assistance programs, we’re making homeownership more accessible and affordable, helping individuals build stronger futures and contributing to the long-term strength of our neighborhoods.”
