Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust (MDEAT) Launches Welcome H.O.M.E. Initiative to Address Housing Affordability Crisis for Working Families Across Miami-Dade

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. On August 12, MDEAT announced the launch of Welcome H.O.M.E. (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 H.O.M.E. 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 H.O.M.E. 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 H.O.M.E. information session to learn more about the program, application process and next steps toward homeownership success. An in-person workshop will be held Thursday, August 20, 2026, at JL (Joe) and Enid W. Demps Park, 11350 SW 216 Street, Miami, FL, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., followed by a virtual session on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Additional 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: September 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026, 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% 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 Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust (MDEAT)

The Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust (MDEAT) is committed to ensuring the equitable participation of residents in Miami-Dade County's economic growth through advocacy, monitoring, and the advancement of economic development initiatives. Created from the 1983 Metro-Miami Action Plan (MMAP) as a response to socioeconomic disparities, MDEAT’s mission addresses critical gaps in education, economic development, housing, and employment opportunities. MDEAT fosters family support, neighborhood growth through homeownership, and strong business foundations to empower and uplift the community across Miami-Dade County.