Investing in homeownership: A new chapter for Jacksonville families

Many families in Jacksonville dream of owning a home but rising costs and limited affordable options often stand in the way. In neighborhoods across our city, stable housing is more than a need — it’s a turning point to a better future.

That’s why, United Way of Northeast Florida has partnered with LISC Jacksonville to operate a $5 million loan fund designed to bring more homeownership opportunities to some of our community’s most underserved areas.

The fund — part of United Way’s larger $10 million housing investment — provides accessible capital to both emerging and experienced developers. It is managed by LISC Jacksonville and includes $4 million from United Way and $1 million from LISC.

“Every day, more than 42% of Duval County residents struggle to make ends meet, including being able to afford homeownership,” said Melanie Patz, president and CEO of United Way of Northeast Florida. “Owning a home is not just about the importance of having a roof over your head. It’s also about building assets and improving the financial well-being of a family long-term so they can break the cycle of generational poverty.”

The fund supports the construction of owner-occupied homes in targeted ZIP codes — including 32202, 32204, 32206, 32208, 32209 and 32254 — for families earning up to 120% of the area’s median income. As developers sell the homes, they repay the loan and can reapply for future projects, creating a sustainable cycle of development and reinvestment.

This initiative builds on the groundwork laid by United Way’s Affordable Housing Task Force and is already part of a broader movement with dozens of homes repaired and hundreds of heirs’ property cases completed throughout the region.

Together with trusted partners like LISC Jacksonville — and with the support of donors like you — United Way is helping families turn the key to more than just a home. We’re helping open the door to long-term stability, financial growth and generational change.