WHoA Fund – 5FOLD Philanthropy

Bridging the Racial Housing Gap with Philanthropy

Illustration of a stack of coins followed by a plus sign and a house, then an equals sign and a larger stack of coins, symbolizing home investment or financial growth.

Homeownership is the best way to build wealth in the USA. The long-term profitability of home-ownership is more favorable than many other financial investments, even when factoring in periods of home price depreciation.

Access to homeownership has not been evenly distributed. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color [BIPOC] have faced racist government policies, discriminatory practices, and segregation in the pursuit of homeownership.

Illustration of the front door of a house behind a red prohibition sign and a padlock.

Map of the state of Washington with an upward arrow representing economic growth and a lesser upward arrow representing housing.

Washington’s housing market has been uniquely troubled by decades of underproduction against a backdrop of strong economic growth. Washington has produced the fewest housing units relative to its household growth than any other state.

Home buyers have needed wealth to get started (whether through inheritance or high-paying jobs). Those with modest incomes and without family property wealth have been unable to compete with those from New York, California, and across the Pacific.

Illustration of two houses one with a price tag for California and the other with a price tag for New York.

We believe that philanthropy can be the solution to housing affordability by…

Utilizing BIPOC developers, agents, vendors and contractors whenever possible

Integrating BIPOC business development with skilled professionals

Engaging regional employers for ownership-ready renters to education and counseling resources

Promoting and connecting to equitable and accessible housing finance solutions for regional BIPOC workforce

Building climate resilience and expand regenerative products, services, and solutions; help BIPOC adapt to climate change

Integrating community land trust model to control land and development and maintain perpetual affordability

Community Land Trusts [CLTs]

CLTs are nonprofit organizations governed by a board of residents and public representatives that provide lasing community assets and shared equity homeownership opportunities for families and communities.