Latinos are expected to be 70% of net new homeowners in the U.S. by 2040. Several local programs — mostly in Spanish, but some in English — are designed to help Latinos jump the hurdles that can stand between them and homeownership.

COVID nudged El Centro into the housing business.

The pandemic revealed problems that the Kansas City, Kansas-based social service agency hadn’t realized were affecting immigrant families in Wyandotte County.

Staff became deeply attuned to housing issues, which worsened as Latinos suffered disproportionate rates of death and serious illness due to the virus.

The stories were eye-opening.

Renters of houses were being told what their share of a utility bill would be without proof of the actual charges. Bills weren’t in the renter’s name, but in the name of a

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