Countrywide® is constantly on the lookout for new ideas that can help us make the dream of homeownership a reality for more families and individuals. As a result, Countrywide Home Loans, through its National Multicultural Sales Division and House America® are involved in various new and exciting initiatives.

• AME 5th District's Nehemiah Ministries

Countrywide works with the AME 5th District's Nehemiah Ministries to provide church members with the knowledge they need to pursue homeownership.  Loan Consultants working in branch offices located within the AME 5th District's 14 state area sponsor financial literacy workshops held at the churches, conduct loan consultations, and provide church members access to the no cost services provided through the House America Counseling Center™.

• U.S. Conference of Mayors' National Dollar Wi$e Campaign

Countrywide, a founding sponsor of the Dollar Wi$e Campaign, recently formed a strategic alliance with the U.S. Conference of Mayors to enhance the campaign and create the Dollar Wi$e Capacity Grants Program.  Through Countrywide's donation totaling $1,000,000, the Dollar Wi$e Campaign is committed to providing resources needed to educate citizens about personal financial issues and providing for Capacity Grants awarded to Mayors and Cities that have demonstrated success within their existing financial literacy education campaigns and are seeking to increase capacity through expanded programs and services.

• National Council of La Raza (NCLR)

Countrywide has entered into the Homebuyer Education and Grant Agreement, with NCLR, in support of that organization's network of housing counseling affiliates that provide homebuyer education and counseling services.  During the four years of this agreement, from 2004 to 2008, several of Countrywide's branches will work directly with selected and approved NCLR affiliates.  These designated affiliates that provide homebuyer education and counseling services, along with a certificate of completion for borrowers who obtain their loan through Countrywide, will receive additional grant funds in the form of a counseling fee to support their efforts.

• Financial literacy programs that focus on homeownership include:

- First-time homebuyer training and workshops for community members.
- One-on-one no-cost telephone counseling for potential homeowners through Countrywide's House America Counseling Center, which includes the Home Buyers Club, a low-cost budget and credit counseling program.
- Identification and utilization of down payment assistance programs.