Howard Hanna Financial Services is looking to make homeownerships more attainable for those in underserved communities. On Tuesday, the firm announced the launch of a community-based mortgage company, United Purpose Mortgage (UPM).
“This is a huge deal for the Hanna Family of Companies,” said F. Duffy Hanna, president of Howard Hanna Financial Services. “UPM has such an important mission, and we’re committed to investing in communities that have historically been left out by the mortgage industry.”
The firm will be led by LaMarcus Thurman, the current vice president of community lending for Howard Hanna Financial Services. UPM is currently operating in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Cleveland, but the firm says it aims to grow its operations throughout the Howard Hanna brokerage footprint.
“It’s a privilege to help people achieve their dreams of owning a home,” said Thurman. “Buying a home is one of the best ways to help a family build wealth, and our team at UPM is working hard to help more families make that happen.”
The firm hopes to impact local communities by establishing outreach programs and working alongside local non-profits and housing finance agencies to offer financial education opportunities for minorities, multicultural and underserved homebuyers and borrowers.
In addition, UPM said it will host and partner with local churches and other community organizations to offer workshops on homeownership, credit, economic awareness, and affordable lending opportunities, according to the release.
“The wealth gap in America is growing, and we’re committed to making homeownership more accessible,” Hanna said.
