Page 5 - Florida Sentinel 6-24-22

Feature
Homeownership Event Aimed To Help Struggling Residents
BY MONIQUE STAMPS Sentinel Staff Writer
Amidst a historically tight housing market, the City of Tampa is pulling out all the stops to help its workforce and low-income residents become home- owners.
When she took office in 2019, Mayor Jane Castor promised her administration would strive to facilitate the creation of at least 10,000 affordable homes by 2027. By the end of 2021, Castor an- nounced they had reached the halfway mark, em- phasizing a multi-pronged approach that does not rely solely on new construction.
While public-private partnerships, like the high- profile Rome Yard project, located along the West Tampa Riverfront, are critical to increasing housing inventory, other city programs also play a key role. For example, through its Owner-Occupied Rehabil- itation Program, the City of Tampa covers critical and costly repairs to area homes. Instead of being forced to find a new, and oftentimes more expensive place to live, the homeowner can remain in their ex- isting residence.
The DARE to Own the Dream Homeownership
Program has also been highly successful in helping income-qualifying individuals purchase their first home. Over the past year and a half, the City of Tampa has awarded more than $1 million in forgiv- able down payment and closing cost assistance loans through this program.
To ensure residents are aware of these opportu- nities, and many more, especially as they face one
of the toughest housing markets in America, the City of Tampa has partnered with local housing counseling agencies, lenders, realtors, insurance companies, among other vendors, to host a free Homeownership Event.
Scheduled for Saturday, June 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Tampa Convention Center, all members of the public are invited to at- tend a series of workshops, offered in both English and Spanish, led by city staff and industry experts. Tours of affordable properties will also be available.
“We don’t want anyone to ever give up on their dream of becoming a homeowner,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “Despite the market challenges we have been hit with, our housing programs continue to help countless individuals and families secure homes they can afford, while remaining in the city we all love. This Homeownership Event is the per- fect opportunity to connect one-on-one with city staff and industry experts to learn about available resources, ask questions, and gain a better under- standing of how to successfully navigate the home buying process.”
Registration is not required, and attendees can park for free in the TCC garage.
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