New Wells Fargo grant helps aspiring Jacksonville homeowners

LISC Jacksonville has received a $300,000 grant from Wells Fargo to expand its Project Boots homeownership and wealth-building initiative. Founded in 2021, Project Boots helps working families "prepare to purchase a home while building the financial knowledge and stability needed for long-term succe

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LISC Jacksonville has received a $300,000 grant from Wells Fargo to expand its Project Boots homeownership and wealth-building initiative.

Founded in 2021, Project Boots helps working families "prepare to purchase a home while building the financial knowledge and stability needed for long-term success," according to LISC. Participants receive homeownership education and financial coaching and and may get down payment assistance.

The grant will boost the program’s reach and partnerships with lenders, housing professionals and community organizations, LISC said.

“Wells Fargo’s investment is an investment in Jacksonville families and the future of our neighborhoods,” said Irvin "PeDro" Cohen, executive director of LISC Jacksonville. “Project Boots

helps people achieve more than homeownership. It provides the education, confidence and support needed to build wealth, create stability and leave a lasting legacy for future generations."

The nonprofit is seeking aspiring homeowners for the next 10-month Project Boots class that begins in January. Training led by LISC Jacksonville and community subject matter experts focus on budgeting, credit, mortgage readiness, financial planning, home maintenance and other areas.

"The path to homeownership can be complex, and access to trusted guidance matters," said Sylvia Jones, senior assistant vice president of community impact at Wells Fargo. "Project Boots helps aspiring homeowners build knowledge and financial readiness before purchasing a home. We support … access to the education and coaching that can help more residents navigate that journey."

LISC Jacksonville and Wells Fargo representatives celebrate the bank's $300,000 investment in the nonprofit's Project Boots homeownership and wealth-building initiative. The event was held at the site of a future Project Boots home in Historic Eastside.

LISC, which revitalizes Jacksonville’s urban core neighborhoods, is the local affiliate of the national Local Initiatives Support Corp.. Since 1999, the nonprofit has invested about $500 million in affordable housing, retail and community space in urban core neighborhoods and helped create about 3,000 jobs.

For more information about Project Boots or upcoming enrollment opportunities, contact Melissa Noland Chester at mchester@lisc.org. For more information about LISC, go to lisc.org/jacksonville.

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.more information, go to wolfsonchildrens.com/about/bike-and-pedestrian-safety.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: New Wells Fargo grant helps aspiring Jacksonville homeowners