Wells Fargo began the next phase of our Denver NeighborhoodLIFT program launched a year ago. In close collaboration with Denver Mayor Hancock and the Denver Office of Economic Development, we announced donations totaling $500,000 to help address Denver’s needs around neighborhood revitalization, preparing individuals and families for homeownership, and supporting small businesses.

The grants are going to 10 nonprofits for efforts that align with the City’s JumpStart 2015 initiatives. We expect that more than 78,000 individuals, families and local businesses will receive assistance as a result of the grants. While we know this one program can’t solve Denver’s need for quality, affordable housing and create the path to homeownership on its own, we hope this small step will help make a big difference in our community.

Since 2012, with a combined $230 million investment ($5.65 million in Denver) by Wells Fargo, LIFT programs have been introduced to 32 communities deeply affected by the housing crisis. The program has created more than 8,750 homeowners (250 in Denver), with the help of down payment assistance and homebuyer education. A video about the NeighborhoodLIFT program is posted on the Wells Fargo YouTube Channel. Also collaborating with Wells Fargo on the program are NeighborWorks America and its Metro Denver affiliate, Community Resources Housing and Development Corporation.