Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

The Delta Challenge Homeownership Initiative, launched in 2004 by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., brings together educational workshops and home buyer fairs to communities nationwide to help demystify the home buying process for prospective homeowners.  The 2007-2008 Maryland State Coordinator, Harford County Alumnae Chapter Member Lorraine Bailey-Carter, leads a group of more than 30 undergraduate and alumnae chapters throughout Maryland and Washington, DC in developing such programs. During the 2006-2007 sorority year, the Challenge kicked off Black History Month with one of the biggest homebuying expos in this region at Morgan State University’s new Student Center.  More than 300 people attended the all-day event that included workshops that focused Homebuying Process from A to Z, Credit Repair Steps & Strategies, and Understanding the Mortgage Application process, plus more than 30 vendors representing real estate agencies, mortgage lenders and area banks offering special programs and discounts.  Based on a demographic survey taken at the Expo, 96% of attendees were African American; 86% were female; 51% currently live in rental property and most do not have a roommate (roommates).  Subsequent events were in Prince George’s County and Washington, DC.  National program sponsors are Chase Home Finance and Genworth Financial.