United Housing, Inc. to absorb Convergence Memphis
MEMPHIS, Tenn., July 17, 2024 – Beginning July 1, Convergence Memphis will become a subsidiary of Memphis-based nonprofit, United Housing, Inc. Convergence will maintain its mission while gaining support of an established nonprofit working toward the same goals.
“Convergence’s mission of promoting affordable housing and increasing homeownership for Black and Brown families perfectly aligns with our work at UHI,” said Amy Schaftlein, executive director of United Housing. “Now that Convergence is officially a part of our organization, we can effectively work together to make an even greater difference in the City of Memphis and beyond.”
Convergence Memphis was formed in 2019 as a partnership between the Mortgage Bankers Association and the Tennessee Housing Development Agency – the first of its kind in the nation. The partnership aimed to increase Black homeownership in America, starting with Memphis. The nonprofit quickly gained momentum as it partnered with other organizations with similar values and objectives – including United Housing. As the Convergence model was tested across the country, it became clear that collaborating with existing nonprofits created greater opportunities to advocate for affordable homeownership and drive better outcomes for Black homeowners.
The merger will enhance both organizations' efforts in government relations, innovation, research and fundraising. Convergence will bring its connections to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the National Fair Housing Alliance and Core Logic.
“The definition of ‘convergence’ is when two or more entities come together to form a whole,” said Jeremy Less, chair of the advisory council for Convergence Memphis. “That is exactly what we are doing – working together to facilitate new solutions that bring racial equity to homeownership.”
Learn more about United Housing by visiting uhinc.org.
About United Housing
United Housing Inc. is a nonprofit affordable housing agency that serves the City of Memphis, Shelby County and West Tennessee. UHI targets its services to families that are underserved by the traditional homeownership industry. Its mission is to provide quality housing opportunities to Mid-South residents through financial education, mortgage lending, home building and renovation, and creative partnerships with public, private and nonprofit entities. For more information about United Housing, visit http://www.uhinc.org.
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