The program is the product of a $9 million settlement between Ameris and the U.S. government in a redlining lawsuit.
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — People in predominately Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Jacksonville could be eligible to receive $20,000 of assistance to buy or refinance their homes.
It’s happening due to a multi-million-dollar settlement with Ameris Bank. The bank was accused of denying home loans to people of color, even if they were qualified.
This is a practice known as redlining and has been outlawed for decades.
City councilman Reggie Gaffney Jr. held a meeting for eligible people in his district.
Representatives from Ameris were on hand and answered questions from neighbors.
“I want to hear from you, but I also wanted you to know as Gaffney said that this money is available,” Ameris Senior Vice President, Director of Community Lending, Clyde Anderson, said.
Several neighbors asked how the program would benefit them.
The program will provide 375 people with up $20,000 to buy or refinance their home.
“I just purchased a house in September, so my interest rate is crazy so being able to buy that interest rate down and not having to repay that $20,000 is really beneficial to me,” Tiffany Brown said.
Ameris provided a map of areas that are eligible for the program.
The federal government said Ameris redlined neighbors in some of these areas and withheld financial services from Black and Hispanic neighborhoods.
In the fall the two sides reached a $9 million settlement. The program is the product of that settlement.
“What would you all be doing if you hadn’t gotten caught?” neighbor, Richard Cuff, said.
Cuff lives in one of the neighborhoods the feds say Ameris redlined.
“To turn it into a program as if they’re now wanting to do something great for our community it’s not the true story,” Cuff said.
Anderson said Ameris can’t change what happened. It can only listen and try to help neighbors like Cuff.
“I’ve been here having related making relationships, talking to the city, talking to the people in the community, as well, to really figure out again, what the problems are what we need to do to make a difference,” Cuff said.
