Eligibility Requirements
- Be a current JWB resident as of the application deadline
- Submit a completed application by July 1, 2026
- Complete loan prequalification process by July 1, 2026
- Be qualified to purchase a home by July 1, 2027
- Demonstrate financial need
- Show a commitment to giving back to the Jacksonville community
- Attend a JWB Homebuyer Education class - next classes on April 23, 2026 and August 22, 2026
- Purchased home must be located in the Northeast Florida community
- All funds will be gifted during a news conference and selected residents must be present
- Selected residents can use these funds and HomeStep simultaneously
- To use HomeStep and Welcome Home funds simultaneously, selected residents must meet all HomeStep Addendum qualifications (including having lived in the home for 12+ months, purchase a JWB Signature Home, or use JWB Realty to purchase a non-JWB Signature Home on the market).
Welcome Home Fund Timeline
- April 1: Application period opens; New residents must sign a lease and complete pre-qualification by July 1 to be eligible
- July 1: Application period closes; Independent non-JWB Review Panel will review all submissions and select the top 40 applicants
- August 1: Panel of Nonprofit CEOs will rank the top 40 applicants and select 8 to receive down payment assistance ($20,000 each)
- September 2026: Selected Residents will be announced during in-person news conference and event