Cornerstone Capital Bank's Community Lending Initiative: A New Era for Homeownership Accessibility

Cornerstone Capital Bank's Bold Move in Community Lending

On February 3, 2025, Cornerstone Capital Bank, a leading provider of mortgage solutions and banking services, announced the launch of its Community Lending Division in Arlington, Texas. This initiative seeks to enhance homeownership opportunities for underserved communities across the United States. According to the bank, the goal is to assist approximately 1,000 families in purchasing their homes within the first year of operation.

The launch of this division reflects a growing awareness of the disparities in homeownership rates among different racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. For instance, data from the Census Bureau shows that in the fourth quarter of 2023, the homeownership rate stood at 73.8% for non-Hispanic White Americans, significantly higher than 63% for Asian Americans, 49.8% for Hispanic Americans, and 45.9% for Black Americans. Mark Dinkins, regional senior vice president of Cornerstone Home Lending, emphasized the importance of addressing these inequalities, stating, "These numbers highlight the urgency of our mission. By tackling the barriers that have historically limited access to homeownership, we aim to create real opportunities for families in every community we serve."

The Community Lending Division plans to implement innovative loan programs and build partnerships with various organizations, including the National Association of Real Estate Brokers and the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals. These collaborations will facilitate the offering of state and local down payment assistance programs and accessible mortgage products, simplifying the home-buying process for potential homeowners.

Jessie Jackson and Rod See, the newly appointed co-managing directors of the division, stressed that their mission goes beyond just providing loans. They aim to offer comprehensive homebuyer literacy outreach programs and housing solutions tailored to the specific needs of various communities. Jackson expressed his excitement for the initiative, stating, “At Cornerstone, we believe homeownership is transformative. It builds stronger families and communities.”

The driving philosophy behind the Community Lending Division is to change lives through homeownership. See noted, “I joined Cornerstone because the company's mission and values align perfectly with my passion for helping families achieve their dream of homeownership.”

The initiative is part of Cornerstone Capital Bank’s broader objective to create financial solutions that make a meaningful impact. Adam Laird, CEO of Mortgage Banking at Cornerstone, highlighted, “By expanding access to housing, we are fulfilling our mission of building stronger communities through exceptional service and personal engagement.”

Since its inception following the acquisition of Roscoe Bank in 2022, Cornerstone Capital Bank has rapidly established itself as one of the fastest-growing banks in the nation. With a pledge to expand the Community Lending Division, the bank aims to open additional branches while enhancing its services for underserved populations across the country.

With a workforce of 1,500 employees and operational capabilities extending across 45 states and Washington, D.C., Cornerstone Capital Bank is poised to fulfill its vision of fostering homeownership among those historically excluded from the market. Recognized for its strong working environment and commitment to community service, the bank continues to gain accolades, holding the status of a certified Fortune Great Place to Work®.

For more information on Cornerstone Capital Bank and their Community Lending Division, you can visit their website at www.cornerstonecapital.com.