First Time Homeowners Receive Critical Support

In partnership with CLTRE, we are proud to announce the launch of the First Time Homebuyers Fund, a new philanthropic effort that supports the CLTRE Keeper Homeownership program. This initiative is designed to help close the racial wealth gap in Sacramento County by making homeownership more accessible to low- and moderate-income families.

Thanks to a generous $1 million contribution from U.S. Bank, the fund’s initial investment will help more families take meaningful steps toward achieving financial security and building generational wealth.

“Safe and stable housing helps children, families, and communities thrive,” said Ashley Bocek, community affairs manager at U.S. Bank. “By working with CLTRE and the Sacramento Region Community Foundation to provide financial tools and resources, we aim to help drive long-term stability and economic growth for families seeking homeownership opportunities.”

Now in its third cohort, the CLTRE Keeper Homeownership program is responding to the national housing crisis by addressing the specific challenges first-time buyers face—such as skyrocketing home prices, lending barriers, and difficulty saving for a down payment. The program equips Sacramento residents, many from historically underserved communities, with financial coaching and education so they can become confident, qualified first-time homebuyers.

Thanks to support from U.S. Bank, qualifying participants will be eligible for up to $20,000 in financial assistance to make their first home purchase possible. The program also offers guidance around mortgage approval, credit and long-term financial planning, and the tools families need to remain in the neighborhoods they love.

“This program advances our mission to promote sustainable homeownership and economic stability,” said Roshaun Davis, Founder and Executive Director of CLTRE. “Through this community initiative, we strive to create life-changing opportunities for families who have long faced systemic obstacles to achieving the dream of homeownership.”

“We are thrilled to collaborate with U.S. Bank and CLTRE to house this transformative and important fund,” said Kerry Wood, our chief executive. “The Foundation plays a unique role as a community partner that can invest and grow donations from U.S. Bank and other supporters to serve more homebuyers.”

With more than 750 charitable funds and $254 million in assets under management, the Sacramento Region Community Foundation brings deep expertise in stewarding gifts that strengthen the region. Since 1983, the Foundation has served as the Sacramento area’s primary philanthropic partner for families, businesses, and nonprofits looking to make a meaningful difference.