ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — According to a study conducted by the National Association of Realtors, Black homeownership still lags behind white homeownership by almost 30%, despite recent increases.

This disparity can be attributed to systemic factors, such as redlining and inequitable access to mortgage credit. To address this, Habitat for Humanity launched the “Advancing Black Homeownership” initiative, which aims to dismantle the bias that has prevented Black families from accessing intergenerational wealth.

What You Need To Know

  • Childhood friends Nikkita Houston and Marita Harris both experienced homeownership for the first time after going through Habitat’s program

  • According to a study conducted by the National Association of Realtors, Black homeownership still lags behind white homeownership by almost 30%, despite an increase in Black homeownership

  • Over the course of its 45-year history, Habitat has worked to help close the homeownership gap

  • In 2021, 43% of the families who partnered with Habitat to build homes were Black

Childhood friends Nikkita Houston and Marita Harris both experienced homeownership for the first time after going through Habitat’s program.

Over the course of its 45-year history, Habitat has worked to help close the homeownership gap. In 2021, 43% of the families who partnered with Habitat to build homes were Black.

“This is my first time owning a home,” said Houston. “So, being a divorced mom, you know, I didn't know what was going to be possible.” 

Houston is building a home for herself and her two children with the help of Habitat for Humanity.

“I’m so excited about my new space, about my new home, because it's much more than a house,” said Houston. “Habitat homes are not free. They are a 0% interest loan. So we will have a mortgage, though, but it will be affordable, and that is exciting.”

She says that it’s not only about changing the address, but it’s also about creating a community.

Marita Harris also signed up for Habitat for Humanity with the support of Houston.

“I didn't really think it was attainable for me just because of the economy that we are in,” said Harris.

The childhood friends found out they were going to be neighbors last May when Habitat for Humanity surprised them with lots beside each other.

“When you're friends with somebody for so long, you might not talk every day. You might not see each other every day. But we always have that connection," said Harris. "So for us to come back full circle and be living next to each other as neighbors. Absolutely amazing.”

Both women have invested over 350 hours of sweat equity into building their dream homes. Soon, they will create new memories in their homes.

“It's really a dream come true,” Houston. “It’s so much bigger than me and Rita and our kids like because we are such dedicated mothers. I know she is a dedicated mother. I know I'm a dedicated mother and the things that we do for our children and to be able to give them everything that they deserve and more.”

As mothers, the two aim to lead by example and provide their children with access to generational wealth.

“When the inevitable happens, and I leave this earth, it’ll be my son’s, and he can have this home, and he can continue the legacy that Habitat has brought us,” said Harris.

They’re grateful to not only stand side by side as friends, but now neighbors as well.