The Portland Housing Center (PHC) is a national leader in educating and creating first time homebuyers, with outreach efforts that bring diverse households to its services. However, in 2010, PHC recognized that African American customers were much less likely to buy homes, even when they received counseling. The Portland (OR) area’s African American homeownership rate was just 35% (compared to 65% for Whites) and actually declined from 2000 to 2010.

Working with an African American advisory committee and with research guiding development, implementation, and evaluation, PHC developed a comprehensive program around outreach and services to African Americans in the Portland area. Central to this effort is Getting Your House In Order, a culturally specific financial education course developed and taught by African Americans for African Americans.