First Foundation Bank Expands Black Homeownership Support With $40K Grant

Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco Matches with an Additional $30,000, Strengthening Local Housing Initiatives

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- First Foundation Bank has awarded Neighborhood Housing Services of the Inland Empire (NHSIE) a $10,000 grant to support its Black Homeownership Program. This initiative aims to increase homeownership opportunities and provide financial empowerment resources for Black families in the region.

The impact of this grant is amplified by an additional $30,000 in matching funds from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLB of San Francisco), bringing the total investment in this program to $40,000. These funds will assist aspiring Black homeowners through financial education, down payment assistance, and access to affordable mortgage lending options.

"We are deeply grateful for First Foundation Bank's support," said Kailin Scott Peoples, CEO/Executive Director of Neighborhood Housing Services of the Inland Empire. "This investment will help us bridge the homeownership gap and provide families with the tools they need to build generational wealth.”

The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco created the matching grant program to help HUD-approved counseling agencies serve more at-risk homeowners in communities of color. Working with the FHLB of San Francisco, First Foundation Bank strives to advance racial equity in homeownership through our community partners.

NHSIE works with a network of preferred lenders and leverages its CDFI loan funds to help low and moderate-income families achieve sustainable homeownership. The organization specializes in developing innovative housing solutions, such as factory-built homes, and implementing shared equity models to preserve long-term affordability. NHSIE's integrated approach encompasses property development, financial assistance, homebuyer preparation, and post-purchase support, demonstrating its commitment to building stronger communities and creating pathways to financial stability for underserved populations.

First Foundation Bank's grant is part of its ongoing commitment to foster economic inclusion and support community-based initiatives that create lasting financial stability.

"At First Foundation Bank, we believe in the power of homeownership to transform lives and communities," said Sylvia Figueroa, Director of Community Development at First Foundation Bank. "We are proud to support NHSIE and its mission to create equitable housing opportunities and financial empowerment for Black families in the Inland Empire."

NHSIE has been a cornerstone of providing financial education and affordable housing solutions in the region for over 50 years. Through partnerships with organizations like First Foundation Bank and the FHLB of San Francisco, NHSIE continues to expand access to homeownership for historically underserved communities.

The organization is actively involved in building more affordable housing options for low to moderate-income families throughout the Inland Empire and larger Southern California desert areas, which are desperately in need of housing and home ownership options. Through education, civic involvement, and advocacy work, NHSIE creates more sustainable communities one homeowner at a time.

For more information about Neighborhood Housing Services of the Inland Empire and its programs, visit https://nhsie.org/.

About Neighborhood Housing Services of the Inland Empire

Neighborhood Housing Services of the Inland Empire (NHSIE) is a nonprofit organization with over 40 years of experience dedicated to creating affordable housing opportunities and revitalizing communities throughout the Inland Empire region of Southern California. As a HUD-certified housing counseling agency and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), NHSIE provides comprehensive services, including homebuyer education, down payment assistance, affordable housing development, and ongoing stewardship programs.

Led by CEO/Executive Director Kailin Scott Peoples, NHSIE works with a network of preferred lenders and leverages its CDFI loan funds to help low and moderate-income families achieve sustainable homeownership. The organization specializes in developing innovative housing solutions, such as factory-built homes, and implementing shared equity models to preserve long-term affordability. NHSIE's integrated approach encompasses property development, financial assistance, homebuyer preparation, and post-purchase support, demonstrating its commitment to building stronger communities and creating pathways to financial stability for underserved populations.

Recent projects include the 13th and Berkeley Ave. development in San Bernardino, which exemplifies NHSIE's mission to provide affordable homeownership opportunities in communities where residents face significant housing cost burdens.

About First Foundation

First Foundation Inc. (NYSE: FFWM) and its subsidiaries offer personal banking, business banking, and private wealth management services, including investment, trust, insurance, and philanthropy services. This comprehensive platform of financial services is designed to help clients at any stage in their financial journey. The broad range of financial products and services offered by First Foundation are more consistent with those offered by larger financial institutions, while its high level of personalized service, accessibility, and responsiveness to clients is more aligned with community banks and boutique wealth management firms. This combination of an integrated platform of comprehensive financial products and personalized service differentiates First Foundation from many of its competitors and has contributed to the growth of its client base and business. Learn more at firstfoundationinc.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).

About the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco

The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco is a member-driven cooperative helping local lenders in Arizona, California, and Nevada build strong communities, create opportunities, and improve lives. The tools and resources we provide to our member financial institutions - commercial banks, credit unions, industrial loan companies, savings institutions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions - propel homeownership, finance quality affordable housing, drive economic vitality, and revitalize whole neighborhoods. Together with our members and other partners, we are making the communities we serve more vibrant, equitable, and resilient.