June was National Homeownership Month — a moment to highlight the critical role homeownership plays in building strong communities and creating generational wealth for individuals and families across the country.
Homeownership is also a key part of our mission at Catapult Greater Pittsburgh. Through our suite of asset-building programs and offerings — including RNIH, CLEAR, The Next Steps Fund, and more — we guide people through the process of becoming a homeowner, provide them with financial support to make it more achievable, and ultimately, help them safeguard their assets for generations to come.
Our homeownership team at Catapult (also known as our Homeownership Hotties) goes above and beyond to ensure that everyone who comes through our doors is supported in reaching their dreams and attaining financial stability.
As we look back on Homeownership Month, we asked them to reflect on the question: What does homeownership mean to you? Here’s what they had to say.
Brettney Duck
Director of Homeownership
"What homeownership means to me is the opportunity to build Black wealth. It also stabilizes communities, provides access to education, and access to employment opportunities. Homeownership is more than just owning a property; it is the place where you will create memories, legacy, and stability.”
Nia Calvert
Financial Counselor
“Homeownership represents personal stability and financial security. It provides a sense of pride and accomplishment and represents hard work and perseverance. Owning a home offers a sanctuary for personal expression and family growth, fostering a deeper connection to community and place. It's not just about owning property, it's also about building a foundation for future generations and creating lasting memories in a space that is yours.”
Amekha Davidson
Financial Counselor
“It means a sense of belonging — it’s a space where someone can create lasting memories with family and friends. It’s a place for self-expression and offers privacy, comfort, and an environment of relaxation. Homeownership can be the pathway to building wealth; it is also a financial investment that takes time to nurture in order to get the most out of the hard work put in to achieve it.”
Laylah Washington
Financial Counselor
“It means building generational wealth while fulfilling a personal and attainable goal. It establishes equity while building assets for an individual and their family for generations to come."
"Homeownership is an accomplishment and financial commitment that can help provide a sense of acceptance, security, and stability. Owning a home can provide peace of mind, an emotional haven, and help build long-lasting relationships within a community. Homeownership is also important for minorities because they haven’t been offered the same opportunities to grow equity or provided with financial incentives. As a minority, owning land can create a sense of freedom as well as provide a chance to build wealth.”
Kevette L. Groomes
Data and Quality Assurance Specialist
“Homeownership provides a generational wealth-building opportunity for families. It offers security and a safe place. It is the catapult most families need to break generational curses and provide peace and stability."
