Opening Doors to Homeownership

Former President Jimmy Carter devoted his post-presidency to expanding access to affordable housing, viewing a decent place to live as a basic human right.

That belief led him to Habitat for Humanity, where he and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter worked alongside volunteers for decades. Together, they helped establish the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, an annual, weeklong effort that brings volunteers together to build homes and broaden access to affordable housing for families in need.

Today, Carter’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of volunteers and community partners.

Affordable housing remains a key priority for Regions Bank and the Regions Foundation – a nonprofit funded primarily by Regions Bank – as both organizations prioritize economic and community development and financial wellness. Together, they were proud to support this year’s Carter Work Project, which kicked off construction at Langston Park, Atlanta Habitat’s newest master-planned community in the historic Sylvan Hills neighborhood.

“Homeownership is one of the most powerful ways individuals and families can build long-term financial stability, while also strengthening the communities they call home,” said Leroy Abrahams, head of Community and Market Engagement at Regions Bank.

“During National Homeownership Month, we’re reminded that access to safe, affordable housing is essential to economic opportunity. We’re proud to support efforts like the Carter Work Project that help make the dream of homeownership more attainable, and to work alongside our associates and community partners to ensure more people have the opportunity to thrive.”

Building Opportunity at Langston Park

“I am proud and grateful for the Regions Foundation support – and for every Regions Bank associate who lent a hand to help make these homeowners’ dreams come true,” said Cecilia Bailey, Financial Education manager at Regions Bank and a member of the Atlanta Habitat board.

“Every piece of siding hung, every wall taped and painted, every piece of trim caulked, every piece of under-decking installed and every roll of sod laid will help transform families, the Sylvan Hills community and this great city.”

By fall, Langston Park homeowners will begin moving into the new community. The homebuyers complete several steps to qualify: they must demonstrate a need for affordable housing, have the ability to pay a mortgage, complete homeowner education classes and participate in a sweat-equity program by volunteering a designated number of hours.

Through a combination of subsidies and down payment assistance, mortgages are structured to remain affordable – never exceeding one-third of a homeowner’s monthly income.

The Regions Bank team was fortunate to work alongside a future homeowner during the build – an experience that made the work even more meaningful and reinforced the impact of helping families achieve stability through homeownership.

“It was so exciting to be a part of such a historic build,” said Clara Green, head of Inclusion, Belonging and Impact at Regions Bank. “Seeing associates come together along with future homeowners and community partners really showed the power of what we can accomplish together. It’s about more than building houses – it’s about building stability, opportunity and stronger communities.”

It’s about more than building houses – it’s about building stability, opportunity and stronger communities.
Clara Green, head of Inclusion, Belonging and Impact at Regions Bank

Empowering Homeowners in Birmingham

In its headquarters city, Regions Bank recently sponsored the HomeWise Expo, an event hosted by Neighborhood Housing Services of Birmingham that welcomed hundreds of homeowners and prospective buyers to promote sustainable homeownership.

Hunter Palmer, Regions Mortgage Production manager, and members of the Consumer Banking team were on hand to answer questions, share insights into the homebuying process and connect attendees with resources to support their homeownership journey.

“Events like the HomeWise Expo are critical because they equip current and future homeowners with the knowledge, tools and confidence they need not just to purchase a home, but to maintain it and build long-term financial stability,” said Paul Carruthers, Community Development manager at Regions Bank.

“As housing costs rise and aging housing stock presents new challenges, we’re proud to work alongside Neighborhood Housing Services of Birmingham to help individuals and families preserve generational wealth, remain safely in their homes and continue strengthening the neighborhoods they love.”

Using Skills to Expand Access to Homeownership

Along with financial contributions, sponsorships and volunteer service, Regions Bank supports homeownership in its communities in other meaningful ways.

Hailey Harmon and Burchie Telfer from the Corporate Marketing and Communications team recently participated in a Regions Skills in Service project, providing marketing collateral for Dallas Community Land Trust, which works to acquire, develop and steward land to create and preserve permanently affordable housing for low- to moderate-income families.

Part of the Regions Making Life Better Institute, the Regions Skills in Service program connects associates with opportunities to apply their professional knowledge to help nonprofits address key challenges and strengthen their capacity.

“For me, this project was especially fulfilling because it allowed me to use my creativity in a new way while supporting an organization doing such important work,” said Harmon, a Corporate Communications Web and Infographics designer at Regions Bank. “Helping Dallas Community Land Trust tell its story more clearly and consistently is one small way we can support their mission to expand access to affordable, attainable housing.”

Helping Dallas Community Land Trust tell its story more clearly and consistently is one small way we can support their mission to expand access to affordable, attainable housing.
Hailey Harmon, Corporate Communications Web and Infographics designer at Regions Bank

Regions Bank associates also extend their impact through nonprofit leadership. Lauren Quam, a Commercial Banking relationship manager in Dallas, serves on the Affordable Housing Committee for Jubilee Park & Community Center, a neighborhood revitalization organization in Southeast Dallas focused on securing stable, affordable housing for residents.

“Serving with Jubilee Park allows me to directly support efforts that align so closely with Regions’ mission to make life better for those in our community,” said Quam. “It’s rewarding to contribute my experience while working alongside others who are committed to strengthening communities and expanding access to safe, affordable housing.”

Across its footprint, Regions Bank and the Regions Foundation are helping open doors to homeownership – whether through hands-on service, financial support or providing technical assistance. During National Homeownership Month, these efforts serve as a reminder that safe, affordable housing is more than a goal; it’s a foundation for stronger families, more resilient neighborhoods and lasting economic opportunity.