SAN FRANCISCO, July 16, 2025 — The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco) today announced more than $1.68 million has been awarded through its 2025 Empowering Homeownership Program to expand the capacity of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved housing counseling agencies (HCAs) that serve aspiring and at-risk homeowners in Arizona, California, and Nevada.

FHLBank San Francisco committed $1 million in funding to this year’s program, matching up to $2 for every dollar donated by participating member financial institutions, up to a maximum of $200,000. Eleven members partnered with 21 HCAs to collectively award $1.68 million in grants to ensure that both homebuyers and homeowners have access to the information and guidance they need to successfully purchase or maintain ownership of a home.

“Housing counseling agencies serve a vital role in helping homebuyers prepare for sustainable homeownership,” said Eric Cicourel, community investment officer with FHLBank San Francisco. “Access to personalized support from a trusted housing counselor can make all the difference in helping people achieve their homeownership goals.”

Homeownership has long been a primary means of wealth building for many Americans. For lower- and middle-income families and individuals, access to quality homebuyer education helps remove barriers to homeownership, supports long-term housing stability and enables the development of intergenerational wealth.

“I appreciate that the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco continues to invest in access to homeownership education and opportunity—especially in a landscape where financial resources are often uncertain and limited,” said Nikki Beasley, executive director of Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. “Their $2-for-$1 matching program has made an extraordinary difference for housing agencies like ours, allowing us to stretch limited funding and continue the critical work of supporting future homeowners. Even when demand is hard to quantify, this kind of meaningful action stands out and strengthens our advocacy efforts.”

2025 Empowering Homeownership Program HCA grant recipients:

• Affordable Housing Clearinghouse

• Chicanos Por La Causa

• Chicanos Por La Causa Nevada

• Epicenter Foundation

• Faith and Community Empowerment

• Family Housing Resources

• Greater Sacramento Urban League

• Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles

• Haven Neighborhood Services

• Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County

• NeighborWorks Orange County

• New Economics for Women

• Newtown CDC

• Orange County Community Housing Corporation

• Primavera Foundation

• Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services

• San Francisco Housing Development Corporation

• Self-Help Enterprises

• Shalom Center for T.R.E.E. of Life

• Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority

• Ventura County Community Development Corporation

FHLBank San Francisco member financial institutions participating in the 2025 Empowering Homeownership Program:

• Banc of California

• Bank of Hope

• Cathay Bank

• City National Bank

• Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach

• Mechanics Bank

• OceanAir Federal Credit Union

• SMBC MANUBANK

• Tri Counties Bank

• Ventura County Credit Union

• Western Alliance Bank

Since launching the Empowering Homeownership Program in 2022, FHLBank San Francisco has committed $4 million in matching funds. Over that time, 26 participating members have donated more than $3.1 million to 33 local housing counseling agencies.