Jacksonville families to get down payment to get them in the door

Eight Jacksonville residents will receive $20,000 each from the JWB CaresWelcome Home Fund to help them become homeowners. JWB Cares, the charitable foundation of JWB Real Estate Companies, created the down payment assistance program, which is the only Jacksonville initiative of its kind supported b

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Eight Jacksonville residents will receive $20,000 each from the JWB CaresWelcome Home Fund to help them become homeowners.

JWB Cares, the charitable foundation of JWB Real Estate Companies, created the down payment assistance program, which is the only Jacksonville initiative of its kind supported by a property management company.

"Helping deserving families become homeowners takes a community effort," JWB President Alex Sifakis said. "The Welcome Home Fund helps families overcome one of the biggest barriers to homeownership — the down payment — and gives them a stronger path toward long-term stability, investment in their community and generational wealth."

Applicants have to show their financial need, complete homebuyer education classes and

be prepared to buy a area home in 12 months. Also, they must "show a commitment to giving back to Jacksonville," the foundation said.

About 250 people applied for the Welcome Home Fund in 2026. An independent volunteer panel picked 40 finalists and a committee of local nonprofit leaders selected the eight recipients: Ricky Braxton, Kristin Bradley, Shakina Carswell, Denard Jones, Anthony Ortiz, Cherie Smith, Te’Anna Tatum and Joann Walker-Thomas.

JWB Cares' earlier charitable giving model annually built and donated one home for a total of six homeowners. The new approach, the Welcome Home Fund, helps multiple families at once.

Eight Jacksonville residents will receive $20,000 each from the JWB Cares Welcome Home Fund to help them become homeowners. At the announcement were Alex Sifakis, JWB president, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan and Robert Kelly Jr., chairman of the selection committee.

Robert Kelly Jr., president and CEO of READ USA, chaired the selection committee.

"We are proud to support this unique local program and the families it serves," he said. "The competition this year was tough because so many residents are working hard to reach homeownership but still need additional support to get across the finish line."

JWB Cares is funded by donations and proceeds from its annual golf tournament. For more information, go to jwbcares.org.

Beth Reese Cravey has been a reporter for The Florida Times-Union for 45 years, currently specializing in nonprofits and health. She can be reached at bcravey@jacksonville.com.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville families to get down payment to get them in the door