Stratford, CT – June 4, 2026
The Homeward Bound Housing Fair and Networking Event, held at Area Two at Two Roads in Stratford on Thursday, June 4, was a tremendous success. With generous support from Citi as the event’s primary sponsor, the annual gathering drew well over 200 attendees. The evening brought together more than 25 partner banks, mortgage companies, realtors, CHFA, insurance agencies, and other housing professionals dedicated to making homeownership a reality for Connecticut families.
Rhonda Wilson Duncan discusses Citi’s support for BNT’s Homeward Bound Housing Fair and its commitment to helping families achieve homeownership.
Building Neighborhoods Together (BNT) hosts the event every year during the month of June, which is National Homeownership Month, promoted by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Homeward Bound Housing Fair aims to promote and celebrate the numerous benefits of homeownership while raising awareness about the wide range of resources and programs available to help individuals and families achieve their dream of owning a home.
The venue was outstanding, a fitting backdrop for an event that continues to grow in both attendance and impact. Attendees had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with mortgage lenders, real estate agents, and housing counselors, getting real answers about down payment assistance programs, the homebuying process, and the wide array of resources BNT makes available to Connecticut residents.
“This was one of the strongest Homeward Bound events we have ever held,” said Doris Latorre, CEO of Building Neighborhoods Together. “It was exciting to see so many future homeowners making connections and taking real steps toward their goals. We are deeply grateful to Citi for supporting the event, and to CHFA and the more than 25 banks, mortgage lenders, real estate professionals, housing partners, and community organizations that helped families access the information and resources they need.”
This year’s gathering also holds special significance as BNT marks its 40th anniversary, four decades of affordable housing development, homeownership counseling, and financial empowerment for low- and moderate-income families across Connecticut. Since beginning its housing counseling services in 2002, BNT has helped more than 4,000 residents across the state become first-time homeowners, with those homes now worth over $1 billion, helping many families build wealth they may not otherwise have been able to access.
Homeward Bound reflects BNT’s commitment to making homeownership not just a dream, but an achievable goal. For anyone interested in beginning their journey to homeownership or learning about available housing resources, BNT encourages community members to contact its Empowerment Resource Academy at 203-290-4255, or to register online for a one-on-one counseling session or a free class.
Building Neighborhoods Together (BNT) is a HUD-certified nonprofit organization whose mission is to end housing insecurity, income inequality, and homelessness by creating safe, affordable housing and providing comprehensive housing and financial counseling services to low- and moderate-income families across Connecticut. Learn more at bntweb.org.
