NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley is thrilled to consistently work alongside area partner Citizens in strengthening the foundation of our HomeOwnership Center! We’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Citizens for their continuous commitment to NWBRV’s HomeOwnership Center over the years, including a recent $20,000 investment to support our work in 2026. The impact their operational support funding makes on the community we serve is truly invaluable.
With NWBRV’s HomeOwnership Center (HOC) acting as northern Rhode Island’s one-stop-shop for financial literacy and homeownership education and coaching, we continuously work at improving and growing our program. Since 1997, the HOC has supported Rhode Island residents in debt reduction, meeting savings goals, repairing credit, mitigating foreclosure, and achieving the goal of home ownership.
Citizens’ investment goes directly to providing homebuyer education critical one-on-one services delivered by our HUD-certified coaching team. Through this work, we support individuals at every stage of their financial journey, including pulling informational credit reports, building personalized budgets, and guiding clients through one of the most important financial decisions of their lives – purchasing a home.
“Funders are central to the work we do on a daily basis,” said NWBRV’s Director of HomeOwnership & Asset Building Services Daynah Williams. “Their help allows us to ensure the services we provide are impactful and continue to grow. In addition to investing financially in our work, Citizens is also a great member of the team. They are willing to assist us in teaching and often participate in our events. Our collaboration with Citizens is a true example of community partnership at work!”
In the past year, NWBRV’s homeownership team provided first-time homebuyer education to almost 200 Rhode Islanders and supported 153 buyers in purchasing their first homes. Looking ahead, we are excited to build on this momentum alongside Citizens, continuing to expand access to education and individualized support so that even more families can achieve successful and sustainable homeownership.
“Homeownership remains one of the most meaningful ways families can strengthen their financial future,” said Keith Kelly, Rhode Island President at Citizens. “As a bank headquartered in Rhode Island, Citizens is proud to stand alongside NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley’s HomeOwnership Center. Together, we’re helping individuals build the knowledge, confidence, and financial foundation needed to make informed decisions at one of the most important moments in their lives.”
“We are so grateful for Citizens’ continued involvement and support. It’s great that as a lending institution Citizens really understand how important it is to educate a homebuyer. Citizens products are easy to understand and translate as well.”
NWBRV’s Director of HomeOwnership & Asset Building Services Daynah Williams
