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, 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?

Anyone working toward owning a home, especially people who have had to figure out the process without guidance or a clear path forward. We are starting in our pilot cities: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and 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?

Chicago, 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 showcased the working prototype and introduced the initiative. The August 2027 BEF Summit is the BEF Green Book Checkpoint, where we return with outcomes from our pilot cities and lay out the plan to scale nationally. 

13. When does it go live publicly?

The BEF Green Book Tool is coming soon. Sign up for BEF Green Book alerts to be the first to know when it goes live. 

GETTING INVOLVED

14. How can I get involved?

Visit our Linktree to pledge your Time, Talent, and/or Treasures, and to sign up for BEF Green Book alerts. 

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 be submitted through the "Be a part of the story" link on our Linktree. 

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. Verdant Group Foundation, a Texas nonprofit, was formed September 2026 to govern the initiative long term and is seeking 501(c)(3) status from the IRS. 

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 (real estate agents, lenders, inspectors) chosen 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 at launch, with Spanish and more languages planned.