In Brief: Wells Fargo Mortgage Drive Targets Native Americans

SEATTLE — Wells Fargo Home Mortgage announced Tuesday that it is actively trying to increase the homeownership rate among Native Americans in Washington State.

The Des Moines unit of Wells Fargo & Co. said its efforts include grants, building supplies, private-public partnerships, and having mortgage consultants work directly with Native Americans in the state.

“Affordability remains a constant challenge for low- to moderate-income Native Americans who want to buy a home,” said Jesus Cruz, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage’s emerging-markets manager for Washington.

“Our research shows that the homeownership rate among Native Americans is among the lowest of all ethnic groups. That’s why this has become a focus for us.”