Urbaanite: Building Wealth & Community: A Look Into Marshall Crawford's Calling
His Story
Marshall Crawford grew up in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, a small suburb about 40 miles outside of Philadelphia. His childhood community was marked by poverty, where homeownership was rare. His mother never owned a home, and he knew few people who did.
When Marshall entered high school, he went to live with his father and stepmother. It was there that he first experienced the contrast between families who owned their homes and those who didn’t—the difference between middle-class stability and the struggle of poverty.
At Western Kentucky University, Marshall found the framework for his life’s work. His senior thesis focused on disparities in mortgage lending, and through his research, he uncovered a painful truth: African Americans and other minorities were often taught the rules of homeownership, but rarely the exceptions—the pathways that made achieving it possible.
“The largest asset that most people will ever accumulate in their lives is a home,” Marshall says. “It became my mission to dedicate myself to ensuring that people not only know the rules but also know they can achieve this feat.”
Marshall’s career began in 1995 as a banking mortgage loan officer, but he soon found his calling in nonprofit work. For 13 years, he helped organizations gain access to capital. That work eventually guided him to leading The Housing Fund, where his mission expanded from helping nonprofits to empowering individuals and communities.
Today, Marshall oversees a nearly $60 million loan fund. “What I’m able to do is provide access to capital—for affordable housing or to preserve affordable housing,” he explains. “That’s been my passion for the last 30 years, making sure individuals have the opportunity to build wealth.”
Knowledge Is Power
For three decades, The Housing Fund has been a key player in Nashville’s response to the affordable housing crisis. As the city rapidly grows, many longtime residents find themselves priced out by newcomers.
Through The Housing Fund, Marshall creates financial products that serve both developers and families: tools to build affordable homes, and opportunities for people to purchase and sustain them. “I believe it’s a ministry,” he says. “God put me in this position to do this work. To me, it’s not just a job—it’s a calling.”
Education, Marshall believes, is one of the strongest tools for empowerment. “You’re walking around with knowledge in your phone,” he says. “It presents all types of information. You’ve got to read it, ask questions, and educate yourself.”
When he’s not working, Marshall enjoys golfing on Nashville’s many courses, refereeing high school basketball games, savoring crab legs and oysters at Harper’s, and soaking in the city’s live music.
From Coatesville to Nashville, Marshall Crawford has carried the lessons of his upbringing into a lifelong mission: to ensure that everyone, especially those from marginalized communities, has access to the opportunity of homeownership. For him, it’s not just about building houses. It’s about building legacies, strengthening communities, and opening doors for generations to come.
Story Credits:
Written by: Jada Thompson
Photography: LeXander Bryant
Looks + Styling: Imogene + Willie
