A dream home: Homeownership made possible through the county’s Homebuyer Assistance Program
Ebony Robinson (right) and her realtor, Corissa Sutton (left), on Robinson’s closing day.
Like most homeowners, Ebony Robinson has big dreams for her house in North Minneapolis.
"I’d like to put another bathroom in, redo the deck, and put an extra bedroom downstairs,” she says. “I’m just excited about decorating and making it feel like ‘me’ and more comfortable.”
But these dreams—and owning the home itself—weren’t a foregone conclusion for Robinson. She’s the first person in her family to own a home. With the purchase of this house, she was determined to provide a stable residence not just for herself, but for generations to come.
“I wanted to break the generational curse and become the first homebuyer in my immediate family,” she said. “I wanted my grandchildren to have a foundation.”
Hennepin County’s Homebuyer Assistance Program
Robinson’s home purchase was made possible through Hennepin County’s Homebuyer Assistance Program, a new funding opportunity that provides eligible first-time homebuyers up to $30,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. The program also offers forgivable 10-year terms and zero percent interest, making it a sustainable option for families. It’s designed to support income-qualifying residents from communities with the lowest homeownership rates to buy a home.
The Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HCHRA) created the program to help reduce racial disparities in homeownership. Boosting homeownership rates is a part of Hennepin County’s strategy to reach people across the spectrum of housing needs, from extremely low-income households who need stable rental housing to higher-income households who are ready to buy a home and just need a little extra support to get them there.
So far, together with program administrator Neighborworks Home Partners, the Homebuyer Assistance Program has helped close 54 loans, serving a total of 133 individuals, 63 of whom are dependents. 57% of the buyers are people of color. And 100% are first-time homebuyers.
“Affordable homeownership has so many positive impacts on both individuals and communities,” says Andrea Stinley, Senior Planning Analyst who helps to oversee the program at the county. "Beyond wealth building, economic stability, increased civic engagement, and access to quality education, having a ‘home’ where friends and family come together to create memories is priceless.”
Robinson on closing day.
“Just right for my family.”
Robinson closed on her home in May. It has everything in it her family needs—most of the amenities are on the first level, which prevents her chronic back pain from flaring up. The first-floor living can also easily accommodate her mother and uncle when they visit. There's an upstairs bedroom loft and a basement family room, perfect for her grandkids and nieces, and a backyard deck and a bonfire pit.
“It’s comfortable and cozy, not too big and not too small,” says Robinson. “Just right for my family.”
The Homebuyer Assistance Program is part of the county’s overall vision for housing—providing increased access, production, and preservation of affordable homes. Down payment assistance is a primary tool for access, and one that has been even more successful than anticipated.
"This program helps us reach communities who have been systemically excluded from wealth-building opportunities,” says Stinley. “So far, we’ve been able to use the funds quickly and for a large number of individuals. And hopefully, it’s only the beginning.”
As for Robinson, she’s feeling the relief of knowing that she can help to build her family’s generational wealth and come home to her own place at night.
“I love it. I’m enjoying it. Just the comfort of knowing that this is mine, and the mortgage won’t go up, I don’t have to follow other people’s rules, and I can have my kids and grandkids coming to something that is ours. It’s the best part of it all.”