Foro Hispano de Vivienda
Empowering Latino Families Through Homeownership
On In 2024, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Montgomery County (HCCMC) launched the annual Foro Hispano de Vivienda, a landmark event designed to inform and empower Latino families on the path to homeownership. With housing access and affordability at the forefront of community conversations, this forum offered timely, practical guidance from trusted experts and industry professionals—all in Spanish and in a culturally relevant format. Held in partnership with local government, financial institutions, and real estate professionals, the Foro Hispano de Vivienda was more than a seminar—it was a community-driven initiative to close the wealth gap and uplift Latino families across Montgomery County.
The Latino Homeownership Gap in Montgomery County
Latino households remain significantly underrepresented among homeowners in Montgomery County. According to a 2021 report from Montgomery Planning:
- Only 54% of Hispanic households own their home, compared to 66% countywide
- As a result, 46% of Hispanic households are renters, far higher than the 34% renter rate countywide
- Hispanic renters are disproportionately burdened by housing costs—62% spend more than 30% of their income on housing, a threshold that marks affordability strain
In fact, Hispanic residents are more likely than any other group in the County to be cost- burdened, especially among renters.
The Hidden Cost of Inequity
 The cost of housing for Latinos is not just a matter of access—it’s a matter of financial impact:
Hispanic homeowners with a mortgage pay a median monthly cost of $2,316, over $300 more than the countywide median of $2,005.
Hispanic renters face a median monthly cost of $1,778, nearly equal to the countywide average of $1,821, but with disproportionately higher financial strain due to lower average household incomes.
These disparities underline the structural barriers Latino families face, and why initiatives like the Foro Hispano de Vivienda are critical to achieving housing equity. The Foro Hispano de Vivienda directly addresses these obstacles by offering clear, step-by-step guidance on:
- Understanding credit and preparing financially for a mortgage
- Navigating the home buying process
- Down payment assistance programs and first-time buyer incentives
- Working with real estate agents, lenders, and title companies
- Avoiding predatory lending and common home buying pitfalls
Our goal is to have participants walk away with not just information—but a clear roadmap to achieving their dream of homeownership.
Homeownership as a Path to Generational Wealth
At HCCMC, we believe that owning a home is more than just having a place to live—it one of the most powerful tools to build generational wealth.
- A home builds equity over time
- Â It provides long-term financial stability and housing security
- Â It creates a legacy that can be passed on to future generations
- It anchors families to their communities and local schools
- Â It allows families to benefit from tax advantages and market appreciation
For our Latino community—many of whom are first-generation immigrants—homeownership represents not only economic progress but also a sense of permanence, dignity, and belonging.
Building Trust Through Community
The forum brings together a wide range of trusted voices, including:Â
- Real estate agents who understand the cultural and financial realities of Latino buyersÂ
- Lenders and credit counselors who provided tailored advice on mortgage readiness
- County Housing representatives who explained available programs and rightsÂ
By gathering these resources in one space, HCCMC aims to remove barriers and demystify the process for local families in Montgomery County and the DMV area. Our goal is to ensure that every Latino family that wants to own a home has the knowledge and tools to do so confidently.
Looking Ahead
The Foro Hispano De Vivienda is part of HCCMC’s larger mission to advance economic mobility and promote equity through education, access, and advocacy. We are committed to hosting this forum annually and expanding it’s reach, including specialized sessions for renters seniors, and immigrant families navigating unique challenges.
Together, we are not just building homes, but brighter, more stable futures for Latino families in Montgomery County!
