courtesy of Belong Lending
As of 2023, the homeownership rate among Black residents in Detroit stands at approximately 49.7%, compared to 57.9% for white residents, highlighting a persistent racial gap in homeownership within the city. This disparity is even more pronounced when considering that Black residents constitute about 77% of Detroit’s population.
Initiatives such as Detroit’s Downpayment Assistance Program (DPA), launched in 2023, have demonstrated success in promoting Black homeownership. The program provided up to $25,000 in assistance and facilitated home purchases for over 300 Detroit residents, with 93% of recipients being African American.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Black applicants in Detroit are still denied home purchase loans at twice the rate of white applicants . Moreover, homes owned by Black individuals in Metro Detroit are typically valued nearly 45% less than those owned by white individuals, further exacerbating the wealth gap.
Belong Lending’s mission to provide transparent, people-first mortgage services is a step toward addressing these systemic issues. Their commitment to community empowerment and financial education aims to make homeownership more accessible and equitable for Black Detroiters, fostering long-term wealth-building opportunities.
Belong Lending, a purpose-driven mortgage lending firm founded by three Detroit financial professionals, will host its official grand opening celebration on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at 7436 Woodward Ave, Suite 205 in Detroit. The event is free and open to the public and will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony with Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield, live music from a DJ, a food truck, and raffle prizes donated by local businesses and community partners.
As housing access and affordability continue to challenge Detroiters, Belong Lending is carving out a new lending model that puts people first, not just paperwork. Founded by professionals with deep roots in the community, the firm blends financial expertise with cultural understanding, helping clients feel empowered and informed. The opening of the new office location is a public affirmation of the team’s values: transparency, education, trust, and belonging.
Belong Lending is a Detroit-based mortgage lending firm committed to helping people navigate the homebuying process with confidence, clarity, and care. Co-founded by Jalen Scott, Antoinette Gassaway, and Demetris Holloway, the firm offers lending solutions with a people-first mindset and has served hundreds of families across Michigan and beyond. Their mission is to provide clients with the knowledge and support needed to build long-term wealth, starting with a home.
(L-R) Jalen Scott, Antoinette Gassaway, and Demetris Holloway, courtesy of Belong Lending
Jalen Scott, Co-Founder of Belong Lending, highlighted this isn’t just another office opening but a statement of what he and his team believe is possible when Detroiters have access to tools, education, and people who truly care.
“We wanted to build something that honors where we come from and helps move the needle for first-time buyers, working families, and anyone who’s ever felt left out of the mortgage process,” Scott said.
“Belong is about giving people a seat at the table — and making sure they understand the contract in front of them.”
Since its founding, Belong Lending has grown almost entirely through referrals, thanks to its responsive team, relationship-first approach, and strong local partnerships.
Antoinette Gassaway, Co-Founder, highlighted that everything about the company’s growth so far has been built on trust.
“This celebration is our way of giving that energy back to the city,” Gassaway said.
“We believe in showing up with honesty, compassion, and clarity. That’s how we’ve been able to support so many others win.”
The May 31 event will highlight those community values with festive energy and Detroit pride. Guests can enjoy music, food, and raffles, with prizes donated by Vanguard Title, Title Connect, UWM, Cameron Young, Allstate, and Malinda Mims, State Farm. It’s more than a party, it’s a thank-you to the community that has supported the firm’s vision from day one.
Looking beyond the grand opening, Belong Lending plans to expand its team, launch community-focused financial education programs, and increase lending support in under-resourced areas. The co-founders also aim to deepen partnerships with local realtors, host first-time homebuyer workshops, and invest in neighborhood revitalization projects across Detroit.
Black-owned mortgage companies like Belong Lending play a crucial role in addressing these disparities. By offering culturally competent services and understanding the unique challenges faced by Black homebuyers, these institutions can provide more equitable access to mortgage financing. This not only helps increase Black homeownership rates but also contributes to closing the racial wealth gap and fostering economic empowerment within Black communities.
Demetris Holloway, Co-Founder, talks about how the city gave him everything, and he knew he had to pour back into it.
“From mortgage lending to property flipping, I’ve worked hard to be a part of the change I want to see,” Holloway said.
“With Belong, we’re doing more than closing deals — we’re helping people build futures. That’s what this event is all about: showing up for the community that raised us, and making sure more Detroiters feel confident stepping into homeownership.”
The event is free and open to the public, and guests are encouraged to RSVP in advance at: https://shorturl.at/6m8e7
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