Building homes for good.

We support developers of color to expand housing opportunities.

The Housing Affordability Crisis

The Puget Sound region is in a growing housing affordability crisis.

98%

increase in the cost of homeownership

The typical home value nearly doubled, increasing 98% from $353,000 in July 2015 to $700,000 in July 2023. (src)

275,000

Housing Units Needed by 2030

The Puget Sound region needs 275,000 housing units by the end of this decade. (src)

50%

increase in the cost of Rent

The median Puget Sound rent rose 50% from $1,519 in July 2015 to $2,285 in July 2023 (src)

People of color are impacted most by housing challenges.

This housing affordability crisis adds additional layers of inequality, and holds the potential to reverse critical progress that’s been made in marginalized communities.

31%

of black people own their own homes compared to 68% for white homeownership

And developers of color are significantly underrepresented.

0.4%

of developers nationally are black.

0.1%

of developers nationally are hispanic.

Northstar

1DROP aims to support Puget Sound developers of color to:

1%

Build 1% of the housing needed in the Puget Sound by the end of this decade

=

2,750

Break ground on 2,750 housing units over the next 5-years

=

$1B+

Create $1B in economic activity by 2030.

Providing developers the foundation for growth.

  • At 1DROP, we are committed to bridging the financial gap for developers of color by providing access to essential funding sources.

    Our support encompasses acquisition funds, preconstruction funds, construction loans, loan guarantees, and beyond.

    By leveraging our extensive network and resources, we empower developers to secure the capital needed to bring their projects to fruition. Through tailored financial strategies and guidance, 1DROP fosters an inclusive environment where equity in housing development can thrive, ensuring that diverse voices are represented in the real estate landscape.

  • 1DROP focuses on providing practical, on-the-ground training and shadowing opportunities to aspiring developers of color, aiming to bridge the knowledge gap and reduce the risks associated with entering the real estate market.

    Through hands-on experiences, participants gain invaluable insights into the complexities of development, including project planning, financing, and community engagement. By pairing future developers with experienced mentors in the field, 1DROP fosters an environment of learning and collaboration, empowering a new generation of diverse developers to navigate challenges confidently and expand housing opportunities within their communities.

    This approach not only nurtures individual expertise but also strengthens the collective impact of diverse voices in real estate development.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

  • We reduce the barrier costs to becoming a developer by providing numerous centralized services from permit expediting, to financial analysis, to estimating, and more.

  • At 1DROP, we are committed to empowering developers of color by providing centralized tools, licenses, templates, and subscription services designed to streamline processes and reduce costs. By equipping our developers with essential resources, we ensure they have what they need to compete at the next level.

    This systematic approach removes barriers and fosters growth, enabling developers to focus on innovation and expanding housing opportunities. Together, we are building a more inclusive real estate landscape.

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