Welcome HOME was created to help bridge that gap by connecting eligible residents to newly constructed homes.(Created by DB Graphics with AI) As housing costs across Miami-Dade County continue to climb out of reach for working families, the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust (MDEAT) is taking direct action. MDEAT recently announced the launch of Welcome HOME (Housing Opportunities Made for Everyone), a new initiative that creates a fair, structured pathway to homeownership through a transparent lottery process, comprehensive homebuyer support, and strategic community partnerships. Miami-Dade remains one of the least affordable housing markets in the world, as rising home prices continue to outpace local wages, placing homeownership out of reach for many working families. Welcome HOME was created to help bridge that gap by connecting eligible residents to newly constructed homes, along with down payment assistance and flexible financing support to promote sustainable homeownership and generational wealth. “For too long, the opportunity to build wealth through homeownership has been out of reach for many Miami-Dade families,” said Bill Diggs, executive director of MDEAT. “Welcome HOME is designed to provide hardworking residents with a pathway to ownership, stability, and long-term financial security.” Prior to applying, prospective homebuyers are encouraged to attend a Welcome HOME information session to learn more about the program, application process, and next steps toward homeownership success. Details and registration information are available at miamidade.gov/mdeat-welcome-home. In partnership with JL Brown Development Corporation, the program will offer eligible applicants the opportunity to purchase newly constructed homes through an open and inclusive selection process. Key information: • Application Period: Sept. 1 to Sept. 30, or until 200 qualified applications are received, whichever occurs first. • Application Method: Online submissions only at miamidade.gov/mdeat-welcome-home; no paper applications will be accepted. Only one application permitted per household. • Selection Process: Qualified applicants will be entered into a public lottery drawing to determine the order of selection for the three available homes. Eligibility Criteria: • Applicant must intend to live in the home as their primary residence. • Only one application permitted per household. • Household income must be below 140 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). Lottery Guidelines: Applicants will be ranked from 1 to 10. The top six applicants will then need to qualify to purchase the home. If any of the top three are unable to qualify within that period, the next applicant on the list will be contacted. Welcome H.O.M.E. reflects MDEAT’s ongoing commitment to expanding affordable homeownership opportunities and strengthening communities across Miami-Dade County.     ABOUT US: For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area. This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community. Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com. If you have any questions, feel free to email [email protected] or [email protected] post Initiative to address county’s housing affordability crisis first appeared on Miami's Community News. ...read more read less