Congratulations to the winners of the Innovations in Homeownership Contest. Please see a list of winners below.

We would like to thank all of the organizations that submitted applications. There were many deserving entries, which made for a difficult decision process. The quality of the entries, however, is an encouraging sign about the quality and passion of the organizations focusing on homeownership.

We invite everyone to review all the applications. Our contest review tools make it easy to search on topic, location, or keywords.

 
Best Collaboration to Promote Homeownership

Montana HomeOwnership Network
Since 1998, the Montana HomeOwnership Network has created 2,074 homebuyers and graduated more than 6,000 families from homebuyer education. Using network of service delivery partners, the Montana HomeOwnership Network has served families in 176 Montana communities. Lender and government partners provide capital financing for down payment and closing cost loans; while grants and loan fees support homebuyer education, housing counseling and loan processing operating costs. View details

Runner-up:  Individual Development Account Collaborative of Louisiana  View details
Runner-up:  Teacherwise Program in Santa Fe  View details

 
Best Homeownership Marketing Strategy

"Fire the Landlord Now" Marketing Campaign
In partnership with Ideopia, a Cincinnati-based marketing firm, Columbus Housing Partnership (of Columbus, Ohio) rolled out a new marketing campaign to promote homeownership. Colorful "Fire the Landlord Now" ads were placed in all Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) buses. The neon-green ads are catching the attention of potential homebuyers throughout the capital city and have prompted a dramatic increase in phone calls from interested homebuyers. View details

Runner-up:  NHS of Boise's Seminar Certificate Request Form  View details
Runner-up:  NHS/City of Chicago 311 Hotline to Prevent Foreclosures  View details

 
Best Postpurchase Strategy

"Best of Neighborhood Contest" in Battle Creek, MI
Neighborhoods Inc. of Battle Creek, Michigan, created a “Best of Neighborhood” contest to encourage investments in home maintenance and exterior home improvements. Over the past two years, sixty-four residents have competed in five categories; Best Front Porch, Best Front Yard, Best Back Yard, Best Curb Appeal and Best Group Effort. The contest supports other neighborhood revitalization efforts. View details

Runner-up:  Foreclosure Prevention/Predatory Lending Workgroup in Rhode Island  View details
Runner-up:  Home Ownership Preservation Initiative of NHS of Chicago  View details

 
Best Strategy for Reaching Minority Homebuyers

NCALL's "Finanzas Financial Education Program"
"Finanzas" is a program designed to provide basic banking and finacial education training primarily to the Latino employees in the Perdue poultry processing plant in Georgetown. Program partners include NCALL, Citizens Bank, Fannie Mae’s Delaware Partnership Office and the Delaware State Housing Authority. NCALL’s Spanish speaking Housing Counselor provides basic banking and money management curriculum training twice a week, for six weeks to participants. View details

Runner-up:  American Indian Homeownership Campaign  View details
Runner-up:  NHS of New Haven's Teen-Parent Credit Counseling Courses  View details