As leaders of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers arrived in a tour bus at Indiana University Northwest, Precious Credit and her children — or “future realtors” — were holding signs and cheering.
“It’s important for them to be part of this,” Credit said. “It’s important for them to see this. … I’m an advocate in homeownership and affordable housing, and I want them to carry that and learn about generating wealth.”
Credit, a 32-year-old Gary resident and Realtor, is a member of the NAREB, and she was more than happy to celebrate the organization as they arrived in Gary on the Affordable Housing Bus Tour.
“We believe in closing the gap of homeownership,” Credit said Tuesday, “making affordable homeownership options, and educating our people to close the gap for affordable homeownership. This is a big thing.”
Gary is one of eight stops on the NAREB tour, which is an initiative bringing housing affordability solutions to communities, according to the organization. Other stops along the tour include Philadelphia, Baltimore and Detroit.
Without affordable homeownership options, Black families and majority Black communities are put at a disadvantage, according to NAREB.
Credit’s friend, Kamysha Banks, also attended the homeownership event Tuesday.
“I’m supporting my best friend who helped me purchase my first home last year,” Banks said. “Maybe I’ll look for some tips, maybe invest in some things.”
NAREB offered free workshops, housing counselors and one-on-one sessions to help increase homeownership.
NAREB President Ashley Thomas told attendees that the organization has strong boards throughout the country, but to him, Gary is special.
“Gary has a special history of resilience and a community spirit that Gary was built on and is a foundation in this city,” Thomas said. “There’s something very special about this city, and there’s a lot of opportunity.”
In NAREB’s 2025 State of Housing in Black America report, Thomas said the path to Black homeownership is obstructed by systemic inequities, policy neglect and market practices that leave Black families behind. There’s a 30 percentage-point homeownership gap between white and Black households, according to the report.
Because of the report’s findings, NAREB leaders believe it’s important to travel nationally to help educate prospective homeowners and provide resources to make the process possible.
“We are committed to the work,” Thomas said. “We are committed to the people, and we believe Gary has the potential and will be the porter city for many others around the country on how to do homeownership the right way.”
Thomas thanked Gary Mayor Eddie Melton for his dedication to increasing homeownership in the city and for advocating for Black residents and families.
Melton told attendees that the city has room for growth, and he’s prepared for more economic development and growth in the next few years. As more development comes to the city and jobs increase, Gary needs to help residents become homeowners, he said.
“Don’t write us off when times get bad,” Melton said. “We’re at a point now where we’re ready to start making a great comeback city.”
mwilkins@chicagotriubne.com
