Safe and stable housing is the foundation for a successful life. Yet for many, the cost of that housing is a major source of concern.

Metro United Way seeks to alleviate that stress through a homeownership pilot program serving families in Clark, Floyd, and Harrison counties in southern Indiana.

People in the pilot program receive financial coaching and wraparound supports for however long it takes for them to reach a level of stability where they can start looking to buy a home.

This program is in partnership with the Salvation Army of Southern Indiana. It’s called Pathway of Hope.

“With Metro United Way, we provide resources to support home ownership and barrier removal,” Alecha Redmond, Salvation Army’s dynamic Family Support Case Manager, said. “We have a commitment to changing not only the lives of families but making large impacts in the local communities that we serve. We come up with innovative and creative ways to tackle not just current issues, but foreseeable future issues.”

So far in 2025, the program has served 49 families. Of these 49 families, 27 have already reached a level of income stability, 13 have reached a level of housing stability, and none have had to make a disruptive school move.

Just this year, two people have purchased homes and another four are expected to close on a home soon! On top of this, eight more individuals have been pre-approved for mortgage financing on their path to home ownership.

Since the program began in 2022, five families have achieved their dream of homeownership.

“Pathway has not only helped us become homeowners and secure reliable transportation, they also assisted us with budgeting, communication skills, immediate needs, and connected us with resources that we did not know existed,” program participant and recent first-time homebuyer, Jessica, said. “Not only have we turned our dreams into reality, but we have also gained invaluable life skills.”