Black History Month: Opportunity for All

Economic Opportunity | February 27, 2026

Black History Month is a time to honor the leadership, resilience, and contributions of Black communities — and to reaffirm that opportunity in America must be accessible to everyone. 

At Fahe, we believe stable, affordable homeownership is one of the clearest pathways to economic mobility, generational wealth, and community strength. In Appalachia and beyond, expanding access to housing means expanding opportunity. 

In FY2025, Fahe made $136.8 million in total investments. Of the $98 million in mortgage financing delivered: 

  • 49% supported minority-headed households 
  • 61% supported female-headed households 
  • 91% supported first-time homebuyers 

These outcomes reflect intentional work to ensure families historically excluded from traditional financial systems can access fair, responsible mortgage products. 

Through JustChoice Lending, Fahe fills market gaps that prevent working families from achieving homeownership. As Senior Vice President of Single-Family Lending Janel Lawson shared, JustChoice Lending is guided by three principles: “Empowerment. Access. Ownership.” 

“That means designing products that meet families where they are,” Lawson said. “Addressing barriers conventional markets overlook. And recognizing that when more families can own safe, quality homes, entire communities grow stronger.” 

Newlyweds Bobbi McSwine and Tyran Price once believed student loans and a limited down payment would keep homeownership out of reach. Commuting more than an hour each way from Shelbyville to Lexington for work, they hoped to live closer to their jobs. JustChoice Lending worked with them to create a feasible path forward. 

In November 2024, Bobbi and Tyran closed on their first home in Lexington — saving time, reducing stress, and building a foundation for their future. 

Black History Month invites reflection — and action. Expanding access to homeownership is one way we turn commitment into measurable impact. 

Opportunity should not depend on zip code, background, or starting point. 
At Fahe, we are working to make sure it doesn’t.