CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Affordable housing remains an elusive goal for many in Charlotte but on Tuesday, Mayor Vi Lyles announced a new push to tackle the problem.
"We have to have the partnerships to help us make this possible," Lyles said.
The Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA) is launching an "Achieve the Dream" homeownership tour this week in Charlotte.
Participants work with a NACA counselor in an effort to get approval for a no down payment mortgage that's more affordable than traditional programs.
The City of Charlotte contributes to the program through a grant program funded with federal tax dollars.
Bank of America is also a longtime partner with NACA and currently has $6 billion in funding available in special financing for those who qualify.
NACA was the focus of controversy in 2010 when a Whistleblower 9 investigation found its Charlotte office threw out stacks of sensitive documents in a dumpster including Social Security numbers and bank account information.
Channel 9's past coverage on NACA:
- NACA faces complaints about business practices
- NC AG Takes Action Against Nonprofit After Channel 9 Investigation
- Action 9: Woman Blames Agency After Losing Home
- Workers Demand Unpaid Wages From Local Company
On Tuesday, NACA executives acknowledged that internal changes were made after our 2010 investigation.
Channel 9 went behind the scenes to see for ourselves to see how the company has gone completely paperless since then.
Employees no longer handle personal information and clients use scanners to create their own secure digital files.
Shredding bins are now also placed throughout the office to discard any personal information left behind.
The Better Business Bureau and North Carolina Attorney General told Channel 9 they currently have no open complaints against NACA.
Upwards of 10,000 people are expected to attend the four-day event.
"Achieve the Dream" Charlotte runs 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, Feb. 11. at 5835 Executive Center Drive in Charlotte.
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