For the last 20 years, Lewiston has welcomed thousands of new faces from countries including Afghanistan, Iraq, Rwanda, and Congo. A critical gap, however, remains in meeting one of their fundamental needs – housing. Many in the Muslim community, driven by their faith, face barriers with conventional mortgages due to Islam’s prohibition against interest payments.
Our Bank CEO Neil Kiely articulates the dilemma: “They miss out on the economic empowerment that comes from building equity in their own home, which can have a generational impact. Additionally, they’re denied the pride of raising a family in their own home.” In response, we took decisive action, pioneering a first-of-its-kind solution in the State. Collaborating closely with organizations such as the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center and ProsperityME, the Bank developed a unique offering that not only addressed the housing challenge but also celebrated the inclusion of these individuals within their communities. Partnering with another organization, we integrated a solution into their existing mortgage products that aligns with the religious observances of many in the Muslim community.
“These individuals have faced hardships beyond our comprehension. Offering an alternative home financing solution is a small yet impactful contribution to help them establish roots in Maine permanently,” Kiely said. “The economic costs and benefits to the Bank and the homeowner are essentially the same as a conventional mortgage. This is about creating opportunities for everyone.”
Sophie Mutamuliza was one of the initial participants in this program. “Now we are here. No moving back,” she said. “We belong to Maine. And that’s what we’re looking for.”
