Homewise Executive Director Michael Loftin accepts the Wachovia NEXT Award Pictured L to R: Debra Schwartz, MacArthur Foundation, Mark Pinksy, Opportunity Finance Network, Mike Loftin, Homewise, Mike Rizer, Wachovia Foundation

Referred to as one of  “the nation’s top-performing Community Development Financial Institutions,” NeighborWorks organization Homewise, Inc., based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, was honored with the Wachovia NEXT Award for Opportunity Finance in December for its innovative, responsible lending programs that directly benefit low- and moderate-income communities. Homewise will receive $2.75 million in grants and low-cost loans as part of this honor.

Wachovia explained in a press release that Homewise won because "it continues to enhance its innovative, customer-focused HomeSmart™ program, which helps low- and moderate-income families successfully purchase, maintain and improve their homes by providing them with education, loans and other services."

Homewise Executive Director Michael Loftin accepted the Wachovia NEXT Award at the national 2008 Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) Conference on December 9.

Learn more about the Wachovia NEXT Award.

In December, Homewise also received the Environmental Protection Agency's 2008 Water Efficiency Leader Award for helping nearly 600 New Mexico homeowners reduce water usage by an estimated 64 percent. Homewise reduced water consumption by implementing its Watersmart Program, which combines consumer information and lending, on-site installation assistance, and marketing.

“EPA commends Homewise for its accomplishments in water use reduction and environmental stewardship,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene in a news release. “Homewise represents New Mexico’s commitment to improve the quality of life through innovative business practices and water conservation.”

Learn more about the EPA Award.

About Homewise, Inc.
Homewise, Inc. was founded as Neighborhood Housing Services of Santa Fe in 1986. Since its founding, Homewise has helped over 1,200 people purchase homes and has helped over 600 people keep their homes by providing financial and technical assistance for home repair. In addition, Homewise has trained and counseled more than 3000 people toward successful homeownership and has built over 150 quality affordable homes.  

The mission of Homewise is to help modest-income New Mexicans become successful homeowners in order to strengthen families, create wealth, and build strong communities.

By providing opportunities for successful homeownership through innovative home purchase, home improvement, and education programs, Homewise helps New Mexican families realize their dreams of owning a home.