RiseUp Fund, a nonprofit founded by Houwzer to help underserved families achieve homeownership, is supported by ESSA Bank as part of our commitment to strengthening local communities. RiseUp provides low-income families in Delaware County, Pennsylvania with meaningful pathways to homeownership, including financial assistance toward closing costs, HUD-certified education, and one-on-one housing counseling.

The program focuses on ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households, helping individuals and families prepare for the homebuying process and succeed as first-time homeowners. All programs are offered at no cost in Philadelphia and surrounding counties.

ESSA partners with Community Action Lehigh Valley (CALV), which combats poverty by providing access to economic opportunities through advocacy, business development, food access, housing, neighborhood revitalization, and youth programs.

CALV’s HUD-certified housing counselors help credit- and income-eligible renters become first-time homeowners, stimulating the local economy.

Through CALV’s Home Ownership Savings Account Program, eligible participants open savings accounts at ESSA with a 1:1 match up to $2,000, waived minimum balance requirements, and variable interest rates.

ESSA partners with Pocono Mountains United Way in a Matched Savings Account Program to help low-income individuals and families become homeowners, small business owners, or post-secondary graduates.

The program provides matched savings incentives, financial literacy classes, and counseling. ESSA contributes $5,000 annually for three years, offering qualified participants a 1:1 match up to $1,500. Participants open savings accounts at ESSA with waived minimum balance requirements and variable interest rates.

ESSA employees also provide financial literacy education modeled after the FDIC’s Money Smart Program and make yearly donations to support PMUW’s efforts.