Your Donations at Work: Stories of Hope and Home from ALTA Good Deeds
December 17, 2024
The American Land Title Association (ALTA) Good Deeds Foundation (AGDF), the registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded by ALTA, is celebrating the holidays a little differently this year.
Since 2020, AGDF has given more than $1.1 million to 192 nonprofits across the country. But the only way AGDF can continue to help those in need—especially those who are in need of a home—is through your donations.
This holiday season, we are highlighting some of the charities that have received a grant from AGDF over the past year. Read on to see what your gifts have helped support.
If you are able, please consider a tax-deductible donation via altagooddeeds.org/donate or text GOODDEEDS to 44321.
Central Indiana Realtist Association
The Central Indiana Realtist Association (CIRA) in Indianapolis was founded to address disparities in homeownership and advocate for equity in real estate by empowering underserved communities. According to the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, the Black homeownership rate in surrounding Marion County sits at only 36%.
One of the pillars of CIRA’s program is education. To help build generational wealth through homeownership, the nonprofit holds monthly homebuyers' workshops that include credit counseling, money management sessions and lender connections. CIRA even provides childcare and a meal at each workshop.
“The $6,000 Good Deeds grant (awarded in October 2024) has been instrumental in supporting our mission, enabling us to expand programs that educate and assist first-time homebuyers, provide community outreach and advocate for sustainable homeownership opportunities,” said Karen Kelly, Realtor and CIRA representative. “This support directly impacts our ability to bridge gaps and create lasting change in our community.”
CONVERGENCE Columbus
CONVERGENCE Columbus is a cross-sector partnership and multi-year initiative created to increase Black and minority homeownership in Columbus, Ohio.
A $6,000 Good Deeds grant in March 2024 supported marketing and outreach for Bloom, the organization's online homeownership guide for Columbus' Black and minority communities. The extensive marketing campaign included billboards, radio ads, digital advertising and in-store audio at local Krogers and CVS stores.
Family Promise of Hendricks County
Support from the AGDF has allowed Family Promise of Hendricks County, Ind., to bring stability to families facing homelessness. Good Deeds provided Family Promise with a $5,000 grant in October 2023. The nonprofit works to prevent and end homelessness for families with children, guiding them toward sustainable independence.
One single mother, struggling to provide for her four young children after an unexpected job loss, found hope through the organization’s Almost Home emergency shelter.
“With the resources and support we provided, she secured employment and a permanent home for her family,” said Julie Randall, executive director of Family Promise. “Her eldest child, who once feared losing their home again, now proudly invites friends over to play. Your generosity transforms lives, giving families like hers the foundation they need to rebuild and thrive.”
Find Feed & Restore
Sherrita’s story is one of resilience and hope. When she reached out for help, she and her three young children were living in her car despite her full-time job as a school bus driver. Like so many families in crisis, she was working hard but couldn’t make ends meet.
Find Feed & Restore (FFR) in Clermont, Fla., stepped in to provide Sherrita with a stable home and the support she needed to rebuild her life. With the guidance of her case manager, she was able to enroll her children in aftercare programs, access mental health counseling and complete financial literacy education. AGDF provided FFR with a $6,000 grant in October 2024.
Today, Sherrita and her children are thriving. They are on the verge of graduating from the FFR program, ready to embrace self-sufficiency and a brighter future. Stories like Sherrita’s remind us why we do what we do.
Foothill Family Shelter
Crystal’s journey with Foothill Family Shelter in Upland, Calif., is a testament to resilience, transformation and the power of community. In July 2022, after a series of unexpected life changes, Crystal found herself with a teenage son, two young nieces and nowhere to turn. Acceptance into the shelter’s 120-day, rent-free housing program was the turning point that set her on the path to stability and success. Residents are required to save a minimum of 50% of their income in a trust account and engage in weekly case management, therapy, education and employment services to ensure they develop the tools for a sustainable and independent future.
With the guidance of her case manager and resources provided by the shelter, Crystal not only found stability but also flourished. Over the course of her stay, she transformed her financial habits, learning to budget and save. In less than two years, she managed to raise her credit score to an impressive 760 and save $20,000—an achievement that once seemed impossible. Crystal also completed her bachelor’s degree and graduated with honors.
“With each family's success story, we are reminded of the incredible strength and resilience of those we serve,” said Deanna Alsdorf, community development coordinator for the Foothill Family Shelter, which received a $6,000 grant from the AGDF in October 2024. “The support from the ALTA Good Deeds Foundation has been instrumental in allowing us to continue providing these life-changing services. The recent grant has provided critical funding for essential programs, such as our transitional housing program, which empowers families to gain independence and stability. We are deeply grateful for your partnership, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration.”
Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or [email protected].