Get To Know American Pledge

Our Misson

The American Pledge Foundation empowers families on their path to sustainable homeownership. Through strong partnerships, we provide essential down payment assistance and a unique safety net of financial support during the first five years of the homeownership journey, helping our members stay current on their mortgage through life’s unexpected hardships. With education, guidance, and ongoing financial assistance, we help each member build resilience and create a brighter future in a home of their own.

Our Why

Our Founder, Robert Irick, was driving through the streets of Atlanta, GA back in 2008 during the height of the recession. What he saw immediately sparked him to work tirelessly to make a change for all Americans.

In 2008, there were about 2.3 million foreclosure fillings in the United States, a dramatic rise from around 800,000 in 2006. Atlanta metropolitan area sadly had one of the highest foreclosure rates in the country with a rate of approximately 1 in every 25 homes in foreclosure. As Robert drove through Atlanta, he saw people’s lives and belongings kicked to the curb as they were removed from their homes. Robert knew there had to be a way to give homeowners the financial safety net they needed to avoid reaching the point of foreclosure. That’s when American Pledge was born.

Homeownership has always been deemed the “American Dream.” There are several programs in existence that help Americans buy a home, but none that help them stay in it. American Pledge exists to fill that void. We want to treat homeowners with the respect and compassion they deserve. We know life happens and unexpected hardships occur. With our safety net fund, we can help our homeowners get back on the happy path.

Meet The Team

  • Robert Irick

    Rob Henger

    Stephen Gilchrist

    Miguel Vega

    Frank Pollock

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  • Allen Gillespie

    J. Edward Norris III

    Connie D. Breeden

    Jeremy Davis

    Mindy Hill

    Paul Gigliotti

    Chris Lykes

    Martin Houston

    Joe Riley III

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  • Robert Irick - Executive Director

    Rob Henger - Assistant Executive Director

    Andrea Schiavone - Program Director

    Mindy Hill - Counseling and Training Director

    Chris Simon - Finance Director

    Nicole Dooling - Marketing Director

    Adrian Wilson - HUD Counselor

    Paul Gigliotti - Business Development

    Esther Berreth - Bookkeeper

    Brad Kaloupek - Operational Support