FDIC and Lacasa collaborate to promote housing stability and community development in Indiana

ELKHART, Ind. - The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and Lacasa, Inc. have joined forces to host a forum.

This event marks the first time both the FDIC and Lacasa have partnered for an initiative.

The forum covered a wide range of topics from housing counseling, credit building opportunities to down payment assistance.  

Director of Client Empowerment for Lacasa Ashley Bowen points out the rising rental prices in the area, prompting many to seek homeownership. 

She notes many people want to be here long-term, but they're not quite sure how to afford a home.  

Some available resources include individual development accounts offered by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, which people can use towards purchasing a home. 

Lake City Bank offers a credit builder loan, a product developed to help people boost their credit scores, even if they are in debt or have a low credit score. 

Bowen wants people to be aware of different programs or grants that can help them with down payments or closing costs. 

"If they want to hear about some of the amazing things that are happening in their backyard that are so busy being done, that we don't usually take the time to talk about them. This is the opportunity. It's like those hidden gems of communities that you see. And you go, how is this been here all along? And I never knew about it. This is one of those things, all of our collaborations and all of the things for the community."