Are you ready
to embark on
the journey to homeownership?

Erie’s Black Wall Street (EBWS) presents the “Pathway to Homeownership” program, a comprehensive workshop series designed to empower and guide you through the essential steps of buying your dream home. This program is specifically tailored to address the basics of what it takes to become a successful homeowner.

Workshops in the Series:

Are You Financially Ready to Buy?

  • Explore your financial readiness for homeownership.

  • Understand the crucial aspects of financial preparation for buying a home.

  • Learn how to improve your credit and secure favorable lending terms.

Date: January 4th, 10am to 12pm

Location: Erie Center for Arts & Technology

Address: 650 East Ave Suite 120, Erie, PA 16503

Presenter: Jenessa Norton

The Homebuying Process

  • Navigate the entire homebuying journey, from selecting your ideal property to closing the deal.

  • Discover strategies for finding the perfect home that aligns with your needs and budget.

  • Learn about inspections, appraisals, and other vital steps in the process.

Date: January 18th, 10am to 12pm

Location: Virtual

Presenter: Rod See

Budgeting and the Mortgage Process

  • Master the art of budgeting to ensure a financially sound home purchase.

  • Explore the intricacies of the mortgage process, including pre-approval and loan options.

  • Gain confidence in managing your finances throughout the homebuying journey.

Date: January 11th, 10am to 12pm

Location: Virtual

Presenter: Shalea Fish & Northwest Bank

Realtors and Their Roles

  • Get acquainted with the roles and responsibilities of real estate professionals.

  • Understand how realtors can assist you in finding and negotiating for your dream home.

  • Learn how to build a successful partnership with a real estate agent.

Date: January 25th, 10am to 12pm

Location: Erie Center for Arts & Technology

Address: 650 East Ave Suite 120, Erie, PA 16503

Presenter: Dana Dickerson

Black Homeownership in Erie has skyrocketed by 191% in just four years, thanks to efforts like our Pathway to Homeownership program. We’re proud to be part of this transformation, with Erie’s Black Wall Street leading the way. Together, we’ve helped raise the rate of Black homeownership from 1.9% to an incredible 5.54%! Let’s keep this momentum going!

Since 2021, we have assisted 12 individuals with down payment and closing cost assistance, helping them take the important step toward homeownership. We have educated over 200 people on homeownership.

Requirements for Participation:

To be eligible for our special drawing of $10,000 towards the purchase of your home, participants must:

  • Attend all four workshops in their entirety. You must be on-time.

  • Maintain a minimum credit score of 600.

  • Be in the process of buying a home in 2025.

  • Have been employed for at least 12 months

  • Write a personal statement of what homeownership would mean to you.

Drawing Information: At the completion of the last workshop in the series, EBWS will select five lucky participants to receive $10,000 towards their home purchase.
This financial boost is our way of supporting you on your path to homeownership and creating a brighter future for you and your family.

Workshop Details:

  • Dates: Every Saturday in January 2025

  • Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Join us in taking the first steps toward your homeownership goals and contributing to changing the homeownership landscape in Erie County. Together, we’ll unlock the doors to your new home and a future filled with financial security and prosperity. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to make your homeownership dreams a reality with EBWS!