Priorities

Our Approach to Empowerment

Our framework provides viable avenues for community members to secure the capital, connections, and resources necessary for quality employment, financial prosperity and safe housing that is affordable. At the heart of our efforts is BEACON (Black Entrepreneurial Advancement & Community Opportunity Network, under our economic development priority pillar. It serves as the primary vehicle for advancing our mission to boost Black wealth in Charlottesville. However, housing is our why. Without secure housing that is affordable, Black residents can’t maintain stable employment or build generational prosperity. That’s why we reinvest the proceeds from BEACON back into our housing initiatives. This ensures that our community members have the foundation they need to thrive.

Economic Development

Through our Black Entrepreneurial Advancement & Community Opportunity Network (BEACON), we’re establishing a supportive ecosystem in Charlottesville, offering resources such as affordable spaces, mentorship, funding opportunities, and connections to the Black business community.

Financial Capability

We’re equipping Black residents in Charlottesville with the financial skills they need to achieve their goals and build a secure future. Whether it’s budgeting for everyday expenses, saving for emergencies, or planning for long-term financial success, we’re here to support our community every step of the way. Here’s how we’re doing that:

The Credit and Money Management Program

Our Credit and Money Management Program, a core focus of HOPE Inside Adult Empowerment programming, helps Charlottesville residents better understand how to manage their money. Through workshops and one-on-one counseling, our financial well-being coaches empower clients to take control of their finances, by creating a budget, reducing and paying off debt, and clearing errors from their credit reports. Seventy-two percent of clients see a FICO score increase; 25 percent achieve a 700+ FICO score after six months of participation.

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FICO SCORE

Client improve FICO score

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Client achieve 700+ FICO Score

Charlottesville Equitable Housing

Our Goal

Our goal is to provide residents with the pathway from rental housing to homeownership while remaining connected to their community, enabling them to move up without having to move away.

Our Vision

Our vision for affordable housing is rooted in preserving the homes of Black residents in historic neighborhoods and developing a housing system that provides opportunities for Black residents to own or rent homes near the city center, rather than being pushed to the outskirts. Avoiding displacement helps residents avoid trading rent costs for transportation expenses and fosters stronger connections within the community.

The Homeownership Program

The Homeownership and First Time Home Buyer Program, a core focus of New Hill’s Financial Capability programming, is designed to empower individuals and families for whom homeownership is part of their life’s vision. New Hill is committed to helping the Charlottesville Community provide more pathways to  become homeowners and more engaged community stakeholders.
Our financial wellbeing coach supports clients through all aspects of the journey to homeownership, which can help them get the funding they need to own a home without resorting to subprime loans.

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Step 1

Homebuyers Workshop

Get an Overview from Industry Professionals

Real estate agents, mortgage brokers, insurance agents, and inspectors give a comprehensive introduction to homebuying.

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Step 2

Loan Packaging Process

Work with HUD-Certified Coach & Industry Experts

Personalized guidance through loan packaging, ensuring clients have the tools and resources to secure funding.

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Step 3

HUD-Approved Housing Counseling

Get Counseling to 
Overcome Barriers

Overcome common obstacles like bad credit, lack of down payment, debt, and money management issues.

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Step 4

Support for Families 
in Need

Additional Support for Families in Need

Tailored assistance for those who need extra help with credit, finances, or other barriers.

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is committed to creating safe, affordable and prosperous communities to live, work and do business in Virginia.

The VIDA Program

VIDA is a financial education and matched savings program that assists working families with their first home purchase. Participants receive access to financial counselors, homebuyer education and the opportunity to earn money towards a down payment and closing costs.

Are you Eligible 
for VIDA?

The VIDA program is funded by the Virginia Housing (VHDA) and administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).

VIDA Eligibility

For every $1 you save, we'll match it with $8

Your savings grow faster with us! For every $1 you save, we’ll add $8. Earn up to $4,000 in matching funds to help you buy your dream home.