As urban real estate costs continue to skyrocket, many individuals and families wonder how they will ever afford a home. At the same time, homes in historic yet distressed communities have become uninhabitable due to age and neglect. Consequently, issues of "residential mobility" arise, causing already struggling families to move multiple times in search of temporary shelter.

Such issues create great difficulty for those seeking safe, affordable homes in our city neighborhoods. That's why University Bank decided something had to be done.

In May 2000, we created the "Houses to Homes" program to finance the rehabilitation of 1,000 homes in the Twin Cities over the next five years. We achieved that goal over a year ahead of schedule. In the process, we have met many grateful people who have found permanent housing for their families. Today, we are closing in on our 1,500th rehabbed home for local residents. Here's how the program works:

• University Bank finances renovators with a successful track record of buying, fixing and selling homes in distressed communities;
• We lend 100 percent of the home's acquisition price. Renovation work is completed within a reasonable period of time;
• Homes are targeted to first-time homebuyers or low- to moderate-income homebuyers.

As a CDFI, University Bank celebrates programs like Houses to Homes that work for Minnesota families and help strengthen our urban community. You can support programs like Houses to Homes with your deposits. To begin, visit Urban Revitalization Fund.