ABOUT
ABOUT
For decades government, banking and the real estate industries have combined forces to by in large keep minorities from acquiring and benefitting from the appreciation of real estate, particularly in urban, previously red-lined neighborhoods. Building Blocks Together aims to serve as the primary minority real estate resource that guides individuals from being first time homebuyers to savvy investors.
MISSION
Build wealth and equity through homebuyer education, real estate ownership, and community development to empower individuals and foster long-term economic growth.
Virginia Rawlins is the founder of Building Blocks Together, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing homeownership education and creating pathways to wealth for underrepresented communities. Since launching in 2018, she has led initiatives that have allocated over $1.5 million in grants to increase minority homeownership and hosted numerous community forums to equip individuals with the tools to navigate the homebuying process.
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A graduate of the University at Albany with a B.A. in Economics, Virginia’s passion for equitable housing was sparked during her service as a LISC AmeriCorps Member at a local Land Bank. Recognized by Albany Business Review’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2022, she is a dynamic speaker and advocate whose work fosters generational prosperity through real estate ownership.
GOALS
RESOURCES
Provide affordable informational resources to first-time homebuyers through online programming, one- on-one counseling and real estate services.
NETWORKING
Develop a network of first-time homebuyers targeting communities of color and low and moderate income households.
PARTNERSHIP
Cultivate partnerships and relationships with stakeholders to advance the mission of the organization.
investing
Invest and purchase real estate within the Capital region.
strategy
Develop strategic plan to expand business and investments to other metro areas in the Northeast.