a message from our founder
After establishing HPP CARES, a HUD-approved housing counseling agency in Southern California, I had the privilege of working with countless individuals and families, all sharing a common aspiration: the dream of homeownership, the quintessential American Dream. Regardless of their economic or demographic backgrounds, the desire to own a home united them all.
As the founder of HPP CARES, Katherine Peoples, I witnessed firsthand the challenges many face in realizing their homeownership dreams. Whether aspiring to own a house, condo, or apartment building, many lack the necessary support or financial resources to cover essential expenses, such as down payments and closing costs.
Moreover, the process of purchasing a home can be perplexing and overwhelming, leading to common mistakes. Often, individuals turn to subprime lenders, unaware of the pitfalls associated with such loans, only to find themselves burdened with mortgages they cannot sustain.
Frequently, clients express regret, lamenting, "If only we had sought your guidance before buying our home." While I appreciate their acknowledgment of the value housing counseling agencies provide, it also underscores the systemic issues many encounter in pursuing the American dream, highlighting the ongoing work that lies ahead.
Whether through assisting with down payments and closing costs or offering homebuyer education programs, we have the power to make a meaningful impact. Pre-purchase counseling significantly enhances buyers' prospects of success, reducing default rates, and equipping aspiring homeowners with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions.
However, I've observed that many individuals are unaware of where to seek such support. Often, nonprofits lack the resources to effectively promote their services. That's why I envisioned creating a platform to bridge this gap.
Enter Levhl – a platform designed to level the playing field by guiding buyers through their options, including those they may overlook. Levhl connects individuals and families with invaluable resources, alleviating their financial burdens and empowering them to move forward with confidence.
Levhl integrates financial assistance, education, and coaching. Alongside access to down payment assistance and closing cost programs, users can delve into the intricacies of the home buying process and learn to make sound financial choices. Whether you're a millennial, a prospective first-time buyer, or someone seeking to reclaim homeownership after a foreclosure, Levhl is here to make a meaningful difference.
Remember, where there's a will, there's a way to homeownership. Let Levhl be your guide on the journey to owning your dream home.
Progress
As a social enterprise, HPP CARES CDE has achieved significant and wide-ranging accomplishments in recent years. Working under the National Coalition for Equities' (NCFE) umbrella, our focus has been on advocating for a strong community voice among federal and state regulators and major private sector corporations. We've dedicated ourselves to addressing public policy issues, particularly those related to wealth and income inequality impacting affordable homeownership and small business growth.
Through collaborative efforts with NCFE, HPP CARES CDE has expanded outreach initiatives, leading to increased corporate social responsibility and consumer protection awareness. Our endeavors have enabled us to engage with a broader audience, forge partnerships with numerous companies, and engage with regulators, all with the goal of supporting deserving individuals in achieving sustainable homeownership, fostering successful small businesses, protecting consumers, and empowering California communities.
At HPP CARES CDE, we are committed to championing opportunities for people of color to become integral partners in our mission to reduce income and wealth inequality, thereby contributing to the creation of stronger futures for all minority groups.
