Michael Gosman, Acts Housing, Shares His Approach to Affordable Housing

It is not easy for most renters to transition to homeownership. It is difficult to qualify for a home loan and saving for a down payment is daunting, especially for low-to-moderate-income families. Michael Gosman is coming to Pensacola for the CivicCon speaker series to share how his organization, Acts Housing, has helped more than 3,000 families become homeowners in Wisconsin and to provide a vision for what may be possible in other communities across our country.

Gosman, President and CEO of Acts Housing, is a champion for Acts’ mission of empowerment through homeownership. From its humble founding through a coalition of urban Milwaukee, WI churches 25 years ago, Acts has grown into a national force in conversations about housing affordability and homeownership.

Acts Housing prides itself on being a one-stop shop, providing all the services a family needs to transition from a low-to-moderate income renter to a successful homeowner. Services include homebuyer and financial coaching, real estate brokerage, home rehab support, as well as grant and loan administration, both through its nonprofit affiliate, Acts Lending and through partner financial institutions.

Acts helps families find the home that is right for them, whether that is a move-in-ready home available on the market or a distressed foreclosure owned by a municipality. Acts work does not end until a family lives in a safe and decent home that they can afford and maintain long-term. Nearly 90% of the families who purchase homes using Acts’ services are low-to-moderate income, often living in substandard rental conditions. Through ownership, they typically save at least $200 per month.

Acts is proud to assist families with the greatest barriers to homeownership. Over the last three years, Acts has focused its effort on better serving Black families, resulting in a 400% increase in Black homeowners (now nearly 50% of all transactions). Acts also excels at helping single-parents (80% women) navigate the home purchase and repair process.

Michael Gosman is an attorney and graduate of the University of Chicago Law School. His service to Acts Housing began as a volunteer, prior to his joining the staff in 2013. Under his leadership as president, Acts Housing has seen a more than 200% increase in the number of renters it can annually help become sustainable homeowners. He is also the founder and CEO of Acts Lending, Acts Housing’s rehab mortgage lending partner, which provides financing for families looking to purchase and repair distressed, foreclosed properties.

Gosman led the nonprofit’s first expansion outside of the City of Milwaukee, now a five-year initiative in Beloit, WI. Beloit’s success has begun drawing demand for Acts’ services from other cities. He says the organization is interested in seeing the model replicated in hundreds of communities across the country.

Those unable to attend the event in person can watch the event via live stream on the Pensacola News Journal Facebook page or its website.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Rex Theatre, 18 North Palafox Street, Pensacola, United States