Wells Fargo announced Thursday it will bring a national program to Jacksonville to assist neighborhoods affected by foreclosures.
The effort, part of the NeighborhoodLIFT program, will feature homebuyer support, education, affordable-home tours and potential down-payment assistance of up to $15,000 for qualified homebuyers.
Wells Fargo said Jacksonville will be the fourth city in Florida to take part in the program, which provides $750 million in mortgage loans for local homebuyers and $7 million in down-payment assistance.
Miami, Tampa and Orlando are the other cities targeted for the $1.75 billion goal for the state.
Homebuyers who might qualify for the program or are interested in learning more can attend a free two-day workshop scheduled 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. July 27-28 at the Osborn Center.
Potential homebuyers can find out at the workshop if they qualify for the down-payment assistance program and reserve funds for 60 days, even if they have yet to find a property.
“Jacksonville was significantly affected by the housing crisis,” said Scott Coble, Wells Fargo North Florida regional president, in a news release.
“Many Jacksonville families are still unable to purchase a home because they simply cannot afford the down payment,” he said.
The company will work with the City, the NeighborWorks America nonprofit and local partners to implement the program.
“This is an excellent example of public-private partnership that will help build a stronger city one house at a time,” said Mayor Alvin Brown in the news release.
“Investments in our neighborhoods are investments in families, our housing market and economic future,” he said.
For workshop registration and information, including details on documents prospective homeowners need to bring, visit www.neighborhoodlift.org or call 866-858-2151.
Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-registration is encouraged.