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FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — One of Fayetteville's largest employers is working to help its employees live the American dream.
Black and Decker is the only Cumberland County employer to participate in a new effort that helps turn working families into first-time homeowners.
Carl Manning is coordinating the program, with the backing of city and county leaders, to launch the first employer-assisted home ownership effort.
"If everyone was paying their fair share, if everyone owned a home, it would definitely increase the tax base," Manning said.
Because of its large number of military renters, Cumberland County has one of the lowest home ownership rates in the state -- 59.7 percent compared to 69.4 percent in all of North Carolina.
The Black and Decker initiative will help an estimated 250 families become first-time homeowners. More employers are expected to be added to the list.
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