Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Through our mission, we help individuals empower themselves through safe and affordable homeownership. We believe that dignity and hope are best achieved through equitable and accountable community partnerships. We operate according to the belief that dismantling systems of oppression and marginalization leads to a more equitable and inclusive society. Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement includes the following principles that guide our work:  

We acknowledge the role that systems of inequity play in the experiences of members of our communities and the ways that these systems of inequity create many barriers for those pursuing home ownership. Durham’s history of segregation and racism, discriminatory housing practices, capitalism, and inequity in education, healthcare, public policy, and advocacy all contribute to the challenges we are working against as we seek to achieve our mission.   

We understand the need to address the issues of inequity in our work and center the voices of our homeowners as we create policies, programs, and resources. Our commitment to action centers around us being intentional in our practices, building and maintaining strong relationships and partnerships within our community, and operating according to the premise that homeownership should be a human right. We have demonstrated our commitment through the following:

• Programs that meet people where they are including Community Days, participation in community and faith based sponsored activities, Jr. Homebuyers Club, Homeowner Education, HEIRS Estate planning program, affinity group volunteer opportunities, and Youth Build events.  
• Partnerships with organizations that center equity, inclusion, and dismantling systems rooted in racism, sexism, ableism, ageism, and other forms of discrimination.  
• Our Presence in the community—If we understand the needs of our neighbors, we can be even better stewards of our resources and develop programs and practices that put them first.   

We know that our work is not done, and we will continue to hold ourselves accountable on our equity journey. As we learn and grow, we will continue to revisit this statement to ensure we are operating through an equity lens and according to the needs of our community. In recognizing that we cannot eliminate the barriers associated with homeownership without collaboration and engagement, we uplift the work of our community partners and call others to join us in action. We know that we will not realize our mission overnight, but we are dedicated to our promise to support past, present, and future homeowners in ways that are sustainable, relevant, and effective.