Making moves for homebuyer healing and empowerment
Model Cities, along with partner Rondo Community Land Trust, will host a cohort of prospective homebuyers in spring 2026. The 6-month program will feature homebuyer education and pre-purchase counseling with our HUD-certified housing counselors. We will cover topics that go beyond traditional financial wellness, supporting generational healing to build generational wealth through home buying.
We’re taking a different approach to financial empowerment, creating collective knowledge to address the racial wealth and homeownership opportunity gaps. This program will help those feeling stuck in the home buying process with the tools needed to get closer to their home buying goals.
Upcoming information sessions
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 (in person)
6pm – 7:30pm
Saturday, March 7, 2026 (in person)
10am – 11:30am
This program is for families who have found the journey to homeownership challenging because of historic harms to African-American communities in Saint Paul and nationally. Sessions will focus on collective care, creating a community of learning, and providing resources that offer more opportunities to Minnesotans.
Participants must be at least 18 years old, live in the Twin Cities Metro, self-identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or People of Color), and be experiencing financial challenges that make home buying seem out of reach.
Participating households will receive up to $6,500 to participate in the program if selected. With access to additional 0% interest credit opportunity loans that can help them manage unexpected expenses, leverage new opportunities, and build credit. Participants must be able to meet in person and commit to 6 months of biweekly classes, beginning March 18, 2026.
Questions? Contact Model Cities: info@modelcities.org or call 651-632-8350.
About Model Cities
Created in 1967, Model Cities serves individuals and families in Saint Paul to create a community where everyone has access to housing and economic opportunity. Our community development, economic, shelter, and supportive housing services are culturally responsive and supportive of our shared community. We believe communities thrive when people thrive.
About Rondo Community Land Trust
Through the innovative Community Land Trust (CLT) model, we empower families to build long-term generational wealth, foster the growth of local entrepreneurship, and preserve housing affordability for generations to come. By prioritizing community ownership and equitable development, we create sustainable pathways to economic stability, inclusive growth, and lasting neighborhood resilience.





