Manna Inc.

Reflecting on Friends of Manna 2024 – A Month Later, We’re Still Grateful! Just under a month ago, we gathered at the MLK Library in Washington, DC, for our annual Friends of Manna 2024 fundraiser. The memories of that unforgettable evening continue to inspire us, and we’re filled with deep gratitude for the incredible community that made it all possible. This year, we’re proud to share that we received the largest amount of support in the history of the organization and saw greater participation than ever before! The evening was a testament to the power of shared commitment. From our dedicated staff and partners to our board members, donors, and volunteers, every person brought something invaluable to the night. It was truly moving to hear stories from past and present homeowners, like Cheri Moore, who shared her joy about celebrating the holidays in her new home and her mission to empower youth with knowledge about financial health and homeownership. Throughout the event, our community had the opportunity to connect over inspiring presentations. Success Measures provided an exciting update on our upcoming Homeownership Impact Study, while Board Member Michael Bennett paid a heartfelt tribute to our founder, Reverend Jim Dickerson. President and CEO Sasha Gaye Angus shared remarks on the housing challenges we face locally and nationally—and how Manna is rising to the challenge with resilience, collaboration, and a forward-thinking vision for the future. Our guests enjoyed a wonderful evening with delicious food, stunning views of the city, and engaging conversations. Each moment, captured beautifully by our photographer, reflects the joy, connection, and inspiration we shared together. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our incredible sponsors, whose support fuels our mission: Presenting Sponsor: DC Housing and Finance Agency Building Topper: Badlands Hotels Community Sponsors: Charles Schwab Bank, PNC Foundation, United Bank, Capital Bank, Chase, Donohue Hospitality Master Craftsman: RLJ Lodging Trust, Arnall Golden Gregory LLP, Moyer & Son Moving Company, FundRISING, McCullough Construction L.L.C., Dante’s Partners, Hudson Housing Capital, City National Bank Contributors and Supporters: Bozzuto, CohnReznick, Community IT Innovators, Hope and a Home, City First Enterprises, Decca Environmental Solutions   2024 Individual Sponsors: Michael Haney, Grant and Yasmin Fuller, Christopher and Kathie Brigham, Andrew Brown, Michael Bennett, Michael & Missy Young, Pastor Glenn Dryden, Dolph Hatfield & Raku Robinson, Thomas Leahey, Michael Tierney, Jay Khanna, Greg Melanson, Elizabeth Shephard, Tonya Robinson Thank you for being an essential part of our journey. Your generosity and belief in our mission allow us to keep pushing forward and creating change. We’re grateful to be on this path together, building a future where more families can achieve housing stability, and the dream of homeownership.

Join the 11th Street Bridge Park & Manna Inc. teams this Saturday from 10 am - noon for our East of the River Home Buyers Club & qualify for $2,500 closing cost assistance grant! First 5 participants will receive a $50 gift card. https://lnkd.in/eU7VySck

The Manna, Inc. team is excited to share that we have been awarded a significant grant of $66,000 from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments through the Housing Affordability Planning Program (HAPP), to support the development of 5907 Dix Street NE! This funding is a crucial step forward for our real estate development efforts, enabling us to progress with the construction of essential affordable homeownership units in Ward 7. This initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration, with strong support from community members, civic associations, and DC’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), which is providing vital construction financing. We are on schedule to finalize the project by the end of 2024, eagerly anticipating the transformation of this location into a warm and inviting homeownership community. Funding for the HAPP program was supported by Amazon Housing Equity Fund. Our heartfelt appreciation for this invaluable contribution that supports Manna Inc. in turning our vision of creating 30 affordable homeownership units into a reality. https://lnkd.in/dWcSYCx9 #Partnerships #AffordableHousing #CommunityDevelopment #Ward7 #Homeownership #HAPPGrant

Last weekend our Home Ownership Center, with the invaluable support of JP Morgan Chase, hosted OctoberFest: The Home Buying Edition at Prince George’s Community College. The event brought together over 70 prospective homeowners eager to learn about the journey to homeownership. From 11 am to 2 pm, attendees gained valuable insights and resources to help them purchase their first home, build financial security, and lay the foundation for generational wealth through homebuying and estate planning. Our event featured an impressive lineup of industry experts—including real estate agents, lenders, estate attorneys, and our very own Director of Manna’s Home Ownership Center Yvette Thomas. These professionals offered a clear roadmap for those ready to take this significant step, while an expert panel shared essential advice on financial preparation, purchasing, and securing their homes for future generations. Beyond the wealth of information, OctoberFest: The Home Buying Edition created a space for community connection and celebration, complete with live music, delicious food, and opportunities to network. We are deeply grateful to JPMorganChase and their dedicated team, including Latosha Taylor Dan Shea, Justin Cotton, and Darcie Gore for their support in making this event possible. A special thanks goes out to Jessica Johnson who thoughtfully guided attendees on the intricacies of estate planning and protecting assets, the Royal Purvis Sr. MSIT, PMP, CISSP, CSM, Realtor, TIPIC Team, who delved into the homebuying process and what to look for in a real estate agent, and Sabrina Harper from Platinum Title Group, whose insights about the title process were invaluable. Each speaker brought a thorough, warm approach that made attendees feel welcomed and well-supported.

We are excited to invite DC & MD residents to Octoberfest - The Home Buying Edition, our final event of the year, on Saturday, October 26th from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM at Prince George’s Community College - Main Campus. Attendees will enjoy food, music, prizes, and advice from industry experts. In partnership with Chase, this event offers an excellent opportunity for future homebuyers to gain valuable insights into the homebuying process. Whether you're a first-time buyer or planning to upgrade, our experts will cover essential topics, including: Mortgage rates and terms explained Down payment and closing costs assistance Estate planning and protecting your investment Real-life homebuying success stories Free parking is available, and the event will be held in Lanham Hall. We look forward to seeing you there! RSVP today: https://lnkd.in/eZH4uKt5 #HomeBuying #Octoberfest #Homeownership #RealEstate #MannaInc #DMVEvents

Today, on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we celebrate and honor the rich history, culture, and resilience of Indigenous communities. The village of Nacotchtank (from which the name Anacostia is derived) was once the largest of three American Indian villages in the Washington area and served as a major trading center. The Nacotchtank people, also known as Anacostans, were an Algonquian-speaking community who lived along the southeast side of the Anacostia River, spanning from today’s Bolling Air Force Base to Anacostia Park. As we develop land today, we recognize and respect the deep history it holds. Access to safe, affordable housing is essential for building equity and opportunities for all, including Indigenous families who have long faced displacement and systemic challenges. We stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities and reaffirm our commitment to creating inclusive, accessible pathways to homeownership for everyone. We want to use this day as an opportunity to listen, learn, and take meaningful action toward building a future that honors and uplifts Indigenous voices. https://lnkd.in/et3W4Y6v #IndigenousPeoplesDay #EquityInHousing #AffordableHousing #Community #HonoringIndigenousCommunitiesDC #Nacotchtank #Anacostia #LearnAndAct

Friends of Manna 2024 Tickets! We wanted to extend a warm invitation to join us for an incredible evening at Friends of Manna 2024 on Wednesday, October 16th at the MLK Library in Washington, D.C. We would love to have you with us as we celebrate our achievements and share exciting plans for Manna's future. Event Details: Date: Wednesday, October 16th, 2024 Time: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Location: MLK Library, Washington, D.C. We’d be so grateful to have you there to support our mission and vision. Secure your tickets today—just follow the QR Code or link below: We’re looking forward to seeing you in one week! Thank you for your support! #Manna2024 #BuildingHope #NonprofitEvents #NetworkingDC #AffordableHousingDMV

As we celebrate National Hispanic American Heritage Month, it's a great time to reflect on the remarkable strides made in Hispanic homeownership. At Manna Inc., we’re proud to support this growing trend, working tirelessly to create more equitable access to homeownership. Through our Home Ownership Center, we’re here to offer guidance in both English and Spanish, empowering families to build generational wealth. Let’s continue pushing for solutions that expand affordable housing options and strengthen our communities. #HispanicHeritageMonth #HousingEquity #CommunityEmpowerment

Celebrating National Hispanic American Heritage Month! From September 15 to October 15, we honor the vibrant histories and invaluable contributions of American citizens with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. We wanted to take a moment and highlight national Hispanic homeownership trends. Rising Statistics: Hispanic homeownership reached 49.5% in 2023, with 377,000 new households joining the ranks. Creative Solutions: Many families are turning to co-borrowing to secure mortgages, pooling resources for better chances of approval. Special programs like HPAP, FHA loans, and other down payment assistance options make homeownership more attainable. Affordable Housing: Increasing the supply of affordable homes and providing tax credits for developers are key to helping families stay in their communities. At Manna, Inc. we are proud to align with these trends while at the same time, addressing the challenges that come with access to affordable housing and the nationwide housing shortage. Our Home Ownership Center is dedicated to supporting clients with services in both English and Spanish. We’re committed to creating housing equity and helping our Hispanic community continue to build generational wealth through homeownership and financial education. Please feel free to share our weekly offerings (attached) in English and Spanish with your networks!   #HispanicHeritageMonth #HousingEquity #CommunityImpact #MannaInc #Homeownership #mannahomesdc

Meet Juan: Housing Counselor by Day, New Homeowner by Determination: Seven Questions with Our Newest Homebuyer and Teammate! We're thrilled to introduce you to one of our newest homeowners who is also a team member at Manna, Inc.! We sat down with housing counselor Juan Fernandez to chat about their home buying journey, the surprises along the way, and the invaluable lessons they've learned. Let's dive into their story! Can you share a bit about your own homebuying journey?  My journey began a year ago with a credit score of 620, too low to qualify for the Maryland Mortgage Program. With advice from a friend and the help of a credit company, I raised my score to 700 by May 2024. After seeing 50 homes and missing out on three I loved, I found the perfect one and couldn't be happier. How did your experience as a housing counselor prepare you for the home buying process?  Working at Manna taught me the importance of communication with lenders, saving for emergencies, and economizing on utilities. My coworkers' advice was invaluable. What was the most surprising part of buying a home for you?  The shock of closing the deal! I quickly realized the responsibility of signing for such a large loan and immediately secured a home warranty for peace of mind. How did your role as a housing counselor influence your decision-making during the home buying process?  My role led to some disagreements with my realtor, but his honest advice about safe and affordable areas in Baltimore was crucial. What challenges did you face, and how did your professional experience help you overcome them?  After three rejected offers, I felt disillusioned, but my realtor and family reminded me that persistence pays off. Everything happens for a reason. How has going through the home buying process yourself changed the way you relate to the clients you serve?  I can now truly empathize with those pursuing the American dream. My journey shows that it's still achievable with patience and perseverance. What advice would you give to first-time homebuyers based on both your personal and professional experiences?  Don't rush. Know your starting point and work on improving your credit score for better rates. Shop around with lenders and be patient when house hunting. Find a realtor that you trust; stay hopeful. Something great is out there for you.  We hope you enjoyed getting to know more about our newest homebuyer and teammate! Juan’s journey is a testament to perseverance, patience, and the power of good advice. Congratulations on your new home!