Affordable Housing

The ABA Foundation, an affordable housing and community development champion, empowers banks across all asset classes to support homeownership and wealth generation. Our mission is to help banks revitalize neighborhoods and communities throughout the United States. This webpage is a comprehensive resource designed to equip bankers with the tools and knowledge they need to invest in affordable housing solutions locally throughout the year.

Each June, the ABA and the ABA Foundation celebrate American Housing Month. Join the ABA Foundation’s June 27 webinar to learn about new components to our campaign, Unlocking Homeownership: Empowering Communities through Housing Education.

Our flagship year-round campaign, Unlocking Homeownership, is a testament to our belief in the transformative power of housing education. It is a critical tool to expand homeownership and wealth generation and to assist distressed homeowners in avoiding foreclosure. This campaign offers a range of tools to mobilize and equip banks to enhance homeownership education, foster stronger community partnerships, and provide training on assisting low-to-moderate community members in purchasing and retaining homes. The campaign toolkit is available in Spanish.

Affordable Housing Resources

The following resources provide information to help banks support affordable housing efforts in their communities.

• Become an FHA Approved Lender 
• Connect with a NeighborWorks Housing Partner 
• FDIC Mortgage Lending Center 
• Local Housing Solutions Resource Center 
• National Council of State Housing Agencies
• Veterans Affairs Home Loans

Affordable Housing Articles

The links below contain articles authored by the ABA Foundation that underscore Americans' multifaceted challenges in finding and living in affordable homes.

• A Personal Story: The Need for Homeownership Education
• Housing Affordability: In the Pursuit of Equity
• A Hand Up with a Down Payment  
• Time to Focus on Senior Housing  
• A ‘Housing First’ Approach to Homelessness  
• Community Development as a Healthcare Strategy  
• Making Sustainable Homeownership More Achievable 

Banks in Their Communities

Each year, the ABA Foundation recognizes and promotes how banks contribute to economic growth, community development and enhanced quality of life in their communities through the Community Commitment Awards. Learn about programs submitted for an award by banks across the U.S. and its territories. These programs recognize contributions in various categories including:

• Affordable Housing: Improving housing access
• Community & Economic Development: Driving economic growth
• Financial Education: Enhancing finance skills
• Financial Inclusion: Increasing financial access
• Protecting Older Americans: Safeguarding seniors
• Supporting Military Families: Supporting military families
• Volunteerism: Encouraging community service

Explore how the winners are driving positive change

• 2024 Winners
• Prior Years