Image courtesy of Citadel
Citadel Credit Union has officially launched its new Home Help Program, an initiative aimed at increasing access to home ownership in eligible communities across Philadelphia.
The program will provide up to $18,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible homebuyers.
During a soft launch of the program, the Chester County-based Citadel said the program awarded $134,000 in grants, supporting $1.6 million in home financing as part of a $6 million investment in community lending, Citadel said in a press release. The $6 million loan subsidy fund is designed to increase access to home mortgage, refinance, and improvement loans in majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods.
“Home Help is dedicated to serving the Philadelphia community by helping more residents achieve the dream of homeownership,” Lisa Albany, vice president of real estate at Citadel Credit Union, said in a statement. “Through targeted grants and assistance programs, we’re making homeownership more accessible and affordable, helping individuals build stronger futures and contributing to the long-term strength of our neighborhoods.”
Launch of the Home Help Program marks what Citadel calls a “significant step” in its growing commitment to the Philadelphia region. In July, the company announced plans to open a new branch in the Overbrook section of the city in early 2026. In announcing that new branch — it 25th — Citadel said it marked a “bold new chapter in community-centered banking,” adding it will be the first of several branches in Philadelphia, where nearly 15,000 of its members live, work, or worship.
In addition to being backed by a $6 million loan subsidy fund to expand access to affordable home financing and up to $18,000 in assistance for purchase, refinance, or improvement of a primary residence in qualified communities, program highlights include:
To support its efforts, Citadel has appointed Evan Richman as its community lending officer. Richman will serve as a key connector between Citadel and Philadelphia communities, according to the release.
“Having spent my career helping families navigate the path to homeownership, I know how life-changing it can be,” Richman said in a statement. “At Citadel, I’m focused on building relationships in majority-minority communities, connecting residents with resources, and leading outreach initiatives that turn financial education into action.”
He will collaborate with local elected officials, real estate professionals, the Affordable Housing Centers of Pennsylvania, the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, and other nonprofit organizations to promote sustainable homeownership throughout Citadel’s service area, with a strong emphasis on Philadelphia, Citadel said.
Citadel said it will continue to raise awareness through an outreach campaign that will include digital channels, direct mail, in-branch signage, and nonprofit collaborations.
With its headquarters in Uwchlan Township, Chester County, Citadel Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institution serving more than 270,000 members in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties.
