A new program is tackling financial literacy and homeownership needs in North Tulsa.

Leaders with "Be Well Community Development Corporation" says the new "North Tulsa Forward" program will help educate minorities in the homeownership process, which could potentially guide them to buying a house.

The program is being paid for by the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

Be Well CDC says Black Americans make up one-third of North Tulsa but are nearly 50% less likely to own a home compared to white Tulsans.

The North Tulsa Forward program is free and provides resources like on-demand educational videos in English and Spanish, access to mentors and one-on-one financial assistance.

Next year, the program will offer a financial incentive for people who complete the course.

Leaders with Be Well say the program is long overdue and hope it can address the disparities in the North Tulsa community so those Tulsans can pursue better jobs, health and education.

Leaders with the program say homeownership is a vital part of building generational wealth.