JWB Celebrates National Affordable Housing Month
Jacksonville’s leading provider of affordable housing announces the 2025-2026 community impact of down payment and homebuyer programs
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 1, 2026 – JWB, Jacksonville’s leading provider of affordable housing, is commemorating National Affordable Housing Month by renewing its Welcome Home Fund charitable down payment assistance program and providing a community update on its other affordable housing commitments. JWB has helped more than 32 residents become homeowners through its HomeStep and Welcome Home Fund programs that help residents secure affordable housing.
JWB’s HomeStep Program
The only program like it in Jacksonville, JWB’s HomeStep, is a funding set-aside for all residents of JWB Rental Homes. Residents can earn $3,600 toward closing costs to purchase a home. This funding is one of the major hurdles to becoming a homeowner. In just a year and a half, the HomeStep program has helped 24 residents become homeowners with nearly $70,000 in closing cost and down payment assistance. Nearly 3,900 JWB residents are enrolled to earn the credit to help them buy homes in the future.
JWB Cares
JWB’s charitable organization recently launched its second annual Welcome Home Fund to help eight families become homeowners by providing $20,000 in down payment assistance per family. The Welcome Home Fund is the only one of its kind supported by a private property management company in Jacksonville, and it further solidifies JWB’s commitment to affordable housing. Three Welcome Home Fund recipients in the 2025 giveaway have bought homes for themselves and their families, and the other five are in various stages of the homebuying process.
JWB Care’s Welcome Home Fund
The Welcome Home Fund recently launched applications for the competitive process and is currently raising funds through its upcoming 9th Annual Fundraiser, being held September 21. Since 2017, JWB Cares has donated more than 10,000 volunteer hours, built six free homes for families in need and raised more than $1 million for programs that support affordable housing.
JWB Homebuying 101 Class
In addition, JWB offers all residents of Jacksonville the opportunity to participate in its free homebuyer education classes. The next class will be held on August 22, 2026, and is free and open to anyone who wants to become a homeowner and prepare for the journey from renter to homebuyer.
JWB Rental Homes currently has more than 5,800 rental homes in Jacksonville, the majority of which are considered affordable. JWB’s rents average a combined 25% less than the average rental rates in Jacksonville (according to Rent Café). JWB’s new construction homes are priced well below the median single-family home price in Jacksonville ($340k).
JWB Real Estate Companies, including JWB Real Estate Capital, JWB Property Management, and JWB Rental Homes, is a privately-owned organization serving the Jacksonville region. JWB is dedicated to providing high-quality rental homes and exceptional service while enriching the lives of its residents. Beyond housing, JWB is deeply committed to making a difference in the Jacksonville community through active engagement, charitable giving, and the city’s revitalization efforts. Founded in 2006 in Jacksonville, JWB is the city’s largest locally owned residential property management company and is the city’s leading provider of affordable housing