DAYTON, Ohio–Residents of the Northwest Dayton Hope Zone will have new opportunities for homeownership as the result of an investment by Wright-Patt Credit Union’s Sunshine Community Fund, the CU said. 

The WPCU Sunshine Community Fund making an initial investment of $1.3 million to launch Phase III of the Pathways to Homeownership program.

According to Wright-Patt CU, the WPCU Sunshine Community Fund’s anchor investment will enable the construction of new homes in Northwest Dayton for first-time, income-qualified buyers. Construction will begin on the first homes in the summer of 2025, with the goal of building 30 new homes over the next three years. 

The homes will be sold at market price, but eligible buyers will receive down payment and closing cost assistance to ensure that homeownership is accessible for local families, the credit union reported.

The Pathways to Homeownership program needs to raise an additional $2.75 million within the first year to ensure long-term program sustainability, it added. 

An ‘Investment’

“The WPCU Sunshine Community Fund’s investment in Northwest Dayton represents a transformative step toward neighborhood revitalization,” WPCU Sunshine Community Fund Executive Director Tracy Szarzi-Fors said in a statement. “Through collaborative efforts, strategic funding, and a commitment to sustainable homeownership, this initiative aims to restore community stability and create a lasting impact for generations to come.”

Wright-Patt CU reported that Northwest Dayton has faced significant challenges, including unsafe housing conditions, financial strain on residents, declining property values and years of economic disinvestment. With 71% of residents renting and 43% being cost-burdened, the “need for stable and affordable homeownership opportunities is critical,” it added.

“Wright-Patt Credit Union has helped many in our community achieve their homeownership dreams, and we are proud to support the WPCU Sunshine Community Fund’s work to help more families in Dayton build generational wealth,” said WPCU President and CEO Tim Mislansky in statement. “By partnering with community organizations, we are building not just homes, but a strong foundation for the future of Northwest Dayton.”

Coalition of Organizations

The Pathways to Homeownership program is driven by a coalition of organizations dedicated to ensuring mortgage readiness and homeownership success, including:

• Learn to Earn Dayton
• County Corp
• Omega CDC
• WPCU Sunshine Community Fund
• Wright-Patt Credit Union
• The HomeOwnership Center