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 for the disenfranchised communities through education, real estate ownership and development
Virginia Rawlins |
Founder & Housing Consultant
Received her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from
University at Albany in 2013. She then went on to work at the New York State Assembly. In her role as Legislative Analyst, Virginia made policy and budget recommendations on legislation that primarily affected people of color and low-income communities.
Virginia served as an LISC AmeriCorps member with the Albany County Land Bank as the Housing Services Counselor. During her tenure, Virginia created the Equitable Ownership Program (EOP).
The goal of the Equitable Ownership Program was to leverage the Land Bank’s real estate and pair residents with available resources to create more affordable home ownership opportunities for individuals and families residing in or relocating to Albany County’s economically distressed neighborhoods and are seeking to purchase their first home. She has deepened her homeownership and real estate knowledge in her roles as Grant Administrator with Troy Rehabilitation and Improvement Program and her current position as Economic Development Program Assistant with Capitalize Albany Corporation.
Virginia founded, Building Blocks Together, which aims to educate potential homebuyers on the purchase process as well as available local funding opportunities. In the future, Building Blocks Together aims serve as a real estate investment vehicle for minorities in the Capital District.
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.