Tampa Resident, 25, Buys First Home With City Assistance

Adrianne Harden closed on her first home in Seminole Heights in February after receiving $100,000 in down payment assistance through the City of Tampa's DARE to Own the Dream program and Community Redevelopment Agency funding.

Harden, a fifth-generation Tampa native who grew up in Seminole Heights, graduated college in 2022 and moved home to save money while working full-time. A job layoff delayed her plans, but she completed a homebuyer education course through R.E.A.C.H. (Real Estate Education and Community Housing) in 2025. She made an offer in early January and closed just over a month later.

The DARE program provides up to $50,000 in down payment assistance to income-eligible first-time homebuyers purchasing property within Tampa city limits. The assistance functions as a "silent second" behind the primary mortgage, carrying 0% interest and no monthly payment. The deferred loan remains silent as long as the property serves as the owner's primary residence.

The city will host a Homeownership Event on Friday, June 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at City Center at Hanna Avenue, 2555 E. Hanna Ave. Attendees can meet lenders, real estate professionals, housing counselors, city staff and industry experts. The event is open to Tampa residents and city employees.

For more information, contact the City of Tampa Housing and Community Development Division.