-highrez%20(-BYwBahLQkuL3KmDvkADZg).png){kind=logo}
Hometown Heroes: 2024 Funds Depleted, Over 6,000 Families Assisted
**By Amy Connolly**
In less than two months, the 2024 funding for Florida’s Hometown Heroes Housing program has been fully reserved. After receiving an additional $100 million from the state Legislature earlier this year, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation confirmed that all available funds have now been allocated.
Since its launch in 2022, this popular initiative has provided much-needed downpayment and closing cost assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers. The program’s latest round of funding, which went into effect on July 1, 2024, has helped 6,135 families secure homes across the state.
This brings the total number of families served to nearly 22,000 since the program's inception. The demand for affordable housing support continues to rise, as shown by how quickly the 2024 funds were reserved.
Why is the Hometown Heroes Program So Important?
Florida’s real estate market has faced a major affordability crisis in recent years. The **Hometown Heroes Housing program**, backed by Florida Realtors®, provides critical assistance to first-time buyers who meet specific employment and income criteria.
The program offers **zero-interest downpayment** and **closing cost assistance** to frontline workers such as teachers, healthcare professionals, law enforcement officers, and other essential service providers, ensuring that these crucial members of our communities can afford a place to call home.
Florida Realtors® 2024 President Gia Arvin highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating:
“The Hometown Heroes Housing program continues to be incredibly successful in helping Floridians purchase their first home in a challenging affordability climate. The fact that it took less than two months for the additional funding that was approved this year to be reserved speaks volumes for just how needed this program continues to be.”
Hometown Heroes by the Numbers
To date, the program has made a significant impact across the state:
- **2022**: $100 million allocated, helping **6,717** families
- **2023**: $136 million allocated, benefiting **8,855** families
- **2024**: $100 million allocated, assisting **6,135** families
While these numbers reflect the program's tremendous success, the need for continued support remains evident as home prices continue to challenge affordability for many Floridians.
What’s Next?
As of now, the Hometown Heroes Housing program is out of funds for 2024, but Florida Realtors® isn’t stopping there. Arvin confirmed that the organization will continue working to secure more funding in the future, saying:
“We look forward to working with the Florida Legislature during the 2025 session to see if more funding can be allocated to this valuable program.”
Conclusion
The Hometown Heroes Housing program has made homeownership a reality for thousands of essential workers and their families. With continued advocacy and additional funding, more Floridians could be given the opportunity to buy their first home in the coming years.
As we look to the 2025 legislative session, Florida Realtors® and other stakeholders will be striving to ensure this vital program continues to support the hardworking people who make our communities thrive.