Popular Bank believes in the power of community and the importance of supporting initiatives that uplift individuals and foster success. As such, we are proud to highlight our ongoing partnership with Bottomless Closet, a New York City based non-profit organization. Established in 1999, Bottomless Closet is dedicated to empowering women to thrive professionally, providing them with the resources and support needed to succeed.

A comprehensive approach to empowerment.

Bottomless Closet goes beyond simply outfitting clients for job interviews. They offer a holistic suite of services designed to enhance women’s professional lives. From resume support and interview practice to workshops on technology and financial literacy, Bottomless Closet is committed to providing tailored services that meet the unique needs of each client. As noted by Pam Kulnis, Program Director, “Our individualized services continue to experience significant demand. We see clients pursuing opportunities in different sectors, and we continue to provide support to them in any way we can, including our personal enrichment workshops.”

As the organization ramps up its efforts to assist nearly 2,000 clients—an impressive increase since the pandemic—the importance of these programs cannot be overstated. They are not just helping women find employment; they are empowering them to take control of their futures.

Homebuyer Education Workshop: Achieving the dream of homeownership.

We continue to expand our relationship with Bottomless Closet. One of the key areas where we’ve joined forces is in providing education around homeownership. Recently, Popular Bank participated in a first-time homebuyer workshop designed to outline the steps of the home buying process for Bottomless Closet clients. This workshop complements other financial management programs offered by Bottomless Closet, which cover topics like budgeting, saving, investing, credit, and debt management.

During the homebuyer workshops, participants learned about several critical aspects of buying a home, including:

Affordability assessment

Understanding how to evaluate personal financial situations, including debt and income, to determine what kind of home is within reach.

Pre-qualification process

Discussing the importance of pre-qualification and what documentation is needed, such as a credit check.

Making an offer

Learning about the components of a competitive offer, including how to factor in necessary repairs.

Home inspections

Understanding the significance of home inspections and their impact on the buying process.

Loan finalization and closing

Navigating the final steps of securing a mortgage and the closing process with various parties.

The workshop, led by Popular Bank’s Home Lending Officer Evette Monteith, also covered various mortgage options¹ available to first-time buyers, detailing the features and benefits of each. Participants learned about conventional mortgages, including both fixed- and adjustable-rate options. Notably, the Popular Bank team discussed programs like the HomeReady® mortgage, which offers low down payments and cancellable mortgage insurance, as well as the Popular Affordable Mortgage, designed to meet diverse financial needs.

A life-changing investment.

As the workshop leader Evette Monteith expressed, “We believe buying a home for the first time is not only a life-changing event but also a significant investment. Buying a home can be an adventure, and we want to best prepare first-time homebuyers with their understanding and help navigate the process for this milestone event.”

Jazmith, a Bottomless Closet client who attended the session shared, “The information was so helpful, now I know what my next goal is, to own a home.”

Our partnership with Bottomless Closet exemplifies our commitment to fostering financial literacy and empowering individuals to achieve their goals. We’re excited to support Bottomless Closet’s efforts in equipping their clients with the knowledge and resources they need to move forward confidently in their careers and lives.

Together, we’re building a brighter future for women in our community—one workshop, one client, and one milestone at a time.