Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT THE INITIATIVE

1. What is the BEF Green Book?

A growing, mobile-first resource that turns complex processes into guided action for underserved communities, starting with Housing as Chapter One.

2. Why “Green Book”?

It’s inspired by The Negro Motorist Green Book, published by Victor Hugo Green starting in 1936 to help Black travelers find safe places to go. We’re rebuilding that same spirit of trusted guidance for today, starting with Housing as Chapter One, with more chapters to come.

3. Is housing the whole initiative?

No. Housing is Chapter One of a larger initiative meant to grow for years to come.

4. Who is this for?

Underserved homebuyers navigating a process that’s historically left them without guidance, vetted local support, or a clear path forward, wherever they live in our pilot cities (Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit).

5. Is the tool limited to any one group?

No. It is free and open to anyone who wants to use it. We build for homebuyers who have gone without trusted guidance, and access is never limited by race or any other protected characteristic.

ABOUT THE TOOL

6. What does the tool actually do?

Walks first-time buyers through a 9-step home purchase journey, from financial readiness through closing, then into a guide for sustaining the home and building wealth.

7. What powers the tool?

The BEF Green Book tool is built on an AI-driven platform designed to guide users step by step.

8. Does the technology decide anything about me?

No. It guides and educates. It does not score you, price a loan, or decide who qualifies for anything. Fair housing experts review the content so the guidance does not repeat bias found elsewhere in the market.

9. Is it an app I download?

No download needed. It’s built mobile-first, and works in any web browser, phone, tablet, or computer.

10. How is this different from Zillow, Rocket Mortgage, or Banks that provide the same information?

Those platforms cover a single piece of the process, a listing, a loan, an account. The BEF Green Book sits a layer above them. It is not here to replace them. It is the guide that helps you use them well. This tool covers the full journey, from credit readiness through closing, home maintenance, and building equity, all in one place, written in plain language, no jargon wall. 

CITIES AND TIMELINE

11. Which cities are covered?

Atlanta, Dallas, and Detroit are the pilot cities.

12. What happens at the August 2026 BEF Summit vs the August 2027 BEF Summit?

The August 2026 BEF Summit showcases the working prototype and introduces the initiative to attendees. The August 2027 BEF Summit is the BEF Green Book Checkpoint, where we return with pilot outcomes across Detroit, Dallas, and Atlanta and lay out the gameplan to scale nationally.

13. When does it go live publicly?

Public go-live is targeted for early 2027, pending funding and partner readiness confirmed by December 2026.

GETTING INVOLVED

14. How can I get involved?

Scan the QR code to pledge your Time, Talent, and/or Treasures. It’ll take you to a webpage where you can submit your pledge and contact information.

15. What does “Treasures” mean?

It can mean opening your network of introductions and connections, making a financial investment, or bringing in a corporate sponsor or partner. It’s not just about money.

16. Is there a way to share my own story?

Yes, video or written testimonials can both be submitted via the QR code (click the ‘Be a part of the story’ link).

PARTNERS AND STRUCTURE

17. Who’s involved in building this?

To reach this Summit milestone, our partners included Cummins (Sponsor), Fenderson Management Group (Program Leadership), Innovation Works (Technology), McKinsey & Company (Research), National Fair Housing Alliance (Content and Legal Guidance), Relman Colfax (Legal Counsel), Storyboard Pictures (Video Production), and Notre Internationale (Marketing). As the initiative grows, additional partners will be vetted and added.

18. Is there a nonprofit behind this?

Yes, the 501(c)(3) is being established with the IRS to govern the initiative long term.

19. How is it funded, and how does it stay free?

Through corporate sponsorship, philanthropic support, and in-kind partner contributions. Providers do  not pay to appear in the directory, and we do not sell user information.

TRUST AND SAFETY

20. Is the tool free to use?

Yes, free for every homebuyer who uses it.

21. How are local providers (realtors, lenders, inspectors) vetted for the directory?

Every provider in the directory is reviewed and verified by our team, not self-reported, and re-checked every 90 days to keep listings current. 

22. What happens to the information I enter?

It's used only to guide your experience and connect you with the right resources. It is never sold, and it is never used for advertising. 

23. What happens to my pledge information?

It's used to follow up with you about the way you'd like to help. It stays with the program team and is not shared or sold.

24. What if I am treated unfairly during the process? 

Report it. The tool carries fair housing information and points users to the National Fair Housing Alliance.

25. What languages is the tool available in?

English and Spanish at go-live, with more languages planned as the tool grows.