When we talk about homeownership in Chicago, it’s not just about buying a house. For many Black families, it is about creating stability, building wealth, and holding on to something for the next generation.

Yet too often, the dream feels out of reach.

The numbers tell the story. More than 70% of white families in Chicago own their homes. For Black families, the number is closer to one-third. That gap reflects affordability, generational wealth disparities, and structural barriers that have built up over decades.

Many new homeowners experience a second challenge after closing: sustaining ownership over time. They have worked hard to purchase a home, only to realize they were not fully prepared for the costs that come after closing day. That is why budgeting for both the “front door” and

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