The Affordable Homeownership Bus Tour will stop in Gary on April 28. Speakers and resources will be on hand to talk about homebuying.

The National Association of Real Estate Brokers launched the eight-state tour to address affordability issues to buy and stay in a home.

The Black homeownership rate in the U.S. is 44.2%, lower than the 75.1% rate for Caucasians, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

“Our mission is clear, and more urgent than ever,” NAREB President Ashley Thomas III said in a press release. “We are committed to transforming the wealth landscape for historically underserved communities, one home at a time. By providing education, practical tools and access to strategic partnerships, we are equipping families to create and sustain generational wealth through real estate. This journey is not one we can take alone. We invite our partners to join us, block by block, city by city, on the frontlines of meaningful, lasting change. Together, we are closing the gap and turning opportunity into ownership and ownership into legacy.”

NAREB partnered with the African American Mayors Association to present the tour.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to expanding access, creating opportunity and strengthening pathways to homeownership,” said Phyllis Dickerson, AMMA CEO.

The eight cities were chosen based on housing data for Black residents. In Gary, Black residents are 79% of the population but only 64% of loan originations. The tour started in Philadelphia.

Programming on the tour includes discussions about renting vs. owning, how Section 8 housing certificates can lead to homeownership and building generational wealth through homeownership.

City officials, including Mayor Eddie Melton, also will be on hand for a town hall. Sign up to attend the tour from 6 to 8 p.m. April 28 here.

NAREB, which was founded in 1947, is a network of Black real estate professionals.