On Wednesday, July 16 at 9:00 AM, Building Neighborhoods Together (BNT) hosted a Loan Fund Celebration with Wells Fargo at its offices in Bridgeport. The event brought together more than 80 guests, including funders, community partners, elected officials, staff, and board members, to mark the launch of BNT’s first Housing Stability Loan Fund.
Expected to launch this fall, the fund will provide low-interest loans to help individuals and families cover urgent housing-related expenses such as emergency repairs or critical needs. These expenses can threaten housing stability or lead to displacement. By offering timely, practical support, the program will help more residents remain in safe, secure homes.
A $60,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation, including $50,000 in loan capital and $10,000 in operating support, will allow BNT to manage and distribute the fund directly to eligible borrowers. The program is especially critical for those who may not qualify for traditional lending due to credit barriers or limited income history.
Newtown Savings Bank is servicing the loans at no cost to BNT, which means 100 percent of the capital can go directly to borrowers. Their support strengthens the fund’s long-term sustainability and impact.
“This loan fund is a game changer for our clients and our mission,” said Doris Latorre, CEO of BNT. “It’s about equity, opportunity, and financial empowerment. We are proud to take this next step in transforming lives through financial access.”
Speakers at the event included:
Doris Latorre, CEO, BNT
Julian Pierce, Deputy Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Housing
Mayor Joe Ganim, City of Bridgeport
Terence Floyd, BNT Board President and Vice President, Community Relations Consultant, Wells Fargo
A video message from U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal
Guests also enjoyed breakfast generously provided by Rich Beattie, Owner and Operator of Chick-fil-A in Fairfield, CT, in recognition of BNT’s selection as a Chick-fil-A Corporate grantee.
We thank the Wells Fargo Foundation, Newtown Savings Bank, and all of our partners who are helping us bring financial access to the people who need it most.
Interested in supporting future capital access programs at BNT? We welcome new funders, partners, and collaborators to join us in this work. Please contact Charlie Griggs, Fund Development, at 203-913-9767 or charles@bntweb.org.