CONVERGENCE Memphis and United Housing: Making an Impact in Memphis
CONVERGENCE Memphis was recently awarded a $250,000 annual sustaining grant from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency. This critical funding will fuel efforts to expand affordable housing opportunities and increase homeownership for Black and Brown families in the community, focusing on key CONVERGENCE Memphis neighborhoods Frayser, Glenview, and Whitehaven.
The THDA grant will be used for the acquisition, maintenance, and site preparation of vacant lots in these neighborhoods. Additionally, it will help cover operating and administrative costs to ensure the long-term sustainability of the initiative as it continues to tackle some of the city’s most pressing housing challenges.
In addition, the Metropolitan Memphis Land Bank Authority, which is a partner of CONVERGENCE Memphis, was awarded a $500,000 grant from THDA to match a grant it received from the city of Memphis. The MMLBA will use the funds to strategically acquire blighted properties and vacant lots, giving priority to sites within CONVERGENCE priority neighborhoods.
“United Housing is honored to be a part of this collaborative effort to enhance affordable housing opportunities and fortify our local communities,” said Amy Schaftlein, executive director of United Housing, Inc. “The THDA grants, along with our partnership with CONVERGENCE Memphis, will allow us to continue providing vital resources and support to those who need it, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to achieve their homeownership goals.”
The grants build on the momentum following the recent merger of CONVERGENCE Memphis and United Housing, Inc. This strategic partnership combines the strengths of both organizations in government relations, innovation, research, and fundraising. By bringing together their resources, CONVERGENCE Memphis and UHI are positioned to make an even greater impact in creating affordable housing solutions for the Memphis community.
“CONVERGENCE’s mission to promote affordable housing and homeownership for Black and Brown families aligns perfectly with the work of United Housing,” said Schaftlein. “This merger enables us to collaborate more effectively and deepen our impact, ensuring that we can provide more affordable housing options in Memphis and beyond.”
In other CONVERGENCE news, CONVERGENCE Memphis recently appointed Kelbert Fagan as Program Manager to lead the initiative’s efforts. Fagan brings extensive experience in program leadership, having previously served as Chief Programs Officer at the Neighborhood Christian Center and in leadership roles at the Boy Scouts of America. In his new role, Fagan will oversee program management, including budgeting, fundraising, and volunteer recruitment, ensuring the initiative’s continued success.
The THDA grants, alongside the merger and new leadership, positions CONVERGENCE Memphis for continued success in expanding affordable housing options for first-time homebuyers and revitalizing underserved neighborhoods. These efforts reflect the Mortgage Bankers Association’s ongoing commitment to addressing housing affordability across the country.
Learn more about MBA’s CONVERGENCE place-based initiatives here.
