Clayton believes that homeownership can improve lives across the country through opportunities to build generational wealth and strengthen communities. One of the ways we can make homeownership possible for more people is through our strategic philanthropic partnership with Operation HOPE, which began in 2022. This national organization equips clients with financial tools and education, with a focus on attainable, quality housing, advocacy and education, and financial literacy.

We also know we’re at a time when many feel that homeownership is out of reach. Operation HOPE’s HOPE Inside® Homeownership Program is designed to support people who are preparing to become homeowners. The program provides workshops, one-on-one coaching and other educational resources, which help clients overcome common barriers to homeownership, such as low credit scores, lack of down payment, existing debt, and money management challenges.

Operation HOPE’s online resources and counseling services have also increased accessibility and engagement, and our partnership will continue to increase the impact of the HOPE Inside Homeownership Program by broadening Operation HOPE’s coaching network and enabling their digital platform to reach more people.

Since 2022, Clayton’s support of the HOPE Inside Homeownership Program has empowered more than 19,000 clients through homeownership services and resources, placing them in a better position to purchase a home. In 2025, 5,386 clients received homeownership coaching and resources and 62% increased their credit score and savings.

As an example of what these services and support can look like, Operation HOPE Coach Christine shared the story of her client, Blair, who lives in Southern California and decided he wanted to make the transition from paying expensive rent to becoming a homeowner. Christine and Blair took a look at his credit and his debt-to-income ratio to understand his current situation.

They then created a budget that helped him reduce his debt by $12,000, increase his savings by $5,300 and increase his credit score by 83 points. Christine was also able to help Blair connect with a lender and real estate agent that were the right fit for him. Now that Blair is a homeowner, the pair have continued working together to ensure he remains in a strong financial position.

“Our partnership with Clayton enables Operation HOPE to equip even more American families with the financial tools and education to secure a better future through homeownership, a critical component to building wealth for generations to come,” said Brian Betts, President and Chief Financial Officer at Operation HOPE.

Through our partnership with Operation HOPE, Clayton can make a difference in people’s lives by helping them achieve homeownership and open the door to greater economic opportunities.

Learn more about Clayton's social responsibility efforts at claytonhomes.com/social-responsibility