Cornerstone Capital Bank, a national provider of mortgage origination and servicing solutions and consumer, commercial, and institutional banking services, recently launched a Community Lending Division to expand homeownership opportunities for underserved communities across the nation, according to a release.

Based in Arlington, Texas, the new division aims to close racial and economic gaps in homeownership and help families achieve their dream of owning a home. With Cornerstone’s mortgage lending footprint extending across 45 states and Washington, D.C., the initiative will serve communities throughout these markets.

According to Jessie Jackson and Rod See, senior vice presidents and co-managing directors of the new division, the Community Lending Division aims to assist 1,000 families in purchasing homes within its first year. The division’s efforts will include tailored affordable housing programs, homebuyer literacy outreach, as well as Cornerstone’s vast array of secondary mortgage market products.

“Part of the Community Lending Division’s mission is to address significant disparities across racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. homeownership rate, Mark Dinkins, regional senior vice president of Cornerstone Home Lending, said in the release.” As of the fourth quarter of 2023, the homeownership rate among non-Hispanic White Americans was 73.8 percent compared to 63 percent for Asian Americans, 49.8 percent for Hispanic Americans, and 45.9 percent for Black Americans, according to Census Bureau data. 

“These numbers highlight the urgency of our mission,” Dinkins added. “By addressing the barriers that have historically limited access to homeownership, we aim to create meaningful opportunities for families in every community we serve.”

Jackson said Cornerstone believes homeownership is transformative in building stronger families and communities.

“We are thrilled to make homeownership more accessible through innovative programs and personalized support,” he said.

See said that the Community Lending Division is about changing lives.

“I joined Cornerstone because the company’s mission and values align perfectly with my passion for helping families achieve the dream of homeownership,” he said. “For originators, agents, and builders who want to make a meaningful difference, the Community Lending Division offers the resources to succeed and the opportunity to serve a diverse range of clients—not just low-income borrowers, but anyone seeking a path to homeownership.”

The Community Lending Division will enhance its impact through partnerships with organizations such as the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, and other groups. By offering state and local down payment assistance programs, Federal Home Loan Bank grant funds, and accessible mortgage products, Cornerstone is making the path to homeownership simpler and more inclusive.

“This initiative reflects Cornerstone’s commitment to creating solutions that make a lasting difference,” Adam Laird, CEO of Mortgage Banking at Cornerstone Capital Bank, said. “By expanding access to housing, we are fulfilling our mission of building stronger communities through exceptional service and personal engagement.”