The CONVERGENCE Environmental Scan provides a comprehensive analysis of the affordable homeownership landscape in the United States, with a particular focus on barriers that disproportionately affect minority and low-to-moderate income families.
The scan identifies four persistent gaps that drive homeownership disparities:
- Information Gap — Many aspiring buyers lack knowledge of the homebuying process, financing options, and available assistance programs
- Trust Gap — Historical discrimination and ongoing disparities have eroded trust in lending institutions and the real estate industry among communities of color
- Market Gap — Insufficient supply of affordable starter homes, particularly in communities where demand is highest
- Resource Gap — Down payment and closing cost barriers, credit challenges, and lack of access to financial counseling and assistance programs
The Environmental Scan documents challenges and identifies solutions and opportunities, providing a research foundation for CONVERGENCE’s place-based strategy and the development of locally-tailored interventions in partner cities.