Tampa’s Down Payment Assistance Program Sets Homeownership Record
The City of Tampa’s Dare to Own the Dream (DARE) Homeownership Program has reached a historic milestone, recording 71 homebuyer closings in Fiscal Year 2026 and surpassing its previous annual record of 70 closings.
Among those homeowners is Oscar Beasley, whose journey reflects the determination it can take to build a new future. After serving 24 years in prison, Beasley was released in 2015 and committed himself to turning his life around. He earned his commercial driver's license and now works full-time as a truck driver. Along the way, he held onto a goal that extended beyond himself: creating a lasting legacy for his family.
"I knew when I got out, I wanted to do everything I could to turn my life around," Beasley said. "It’s never too late to do something with your life. I always wanted to do something for my children, they’re grown now, but I have three grandchildren, and I wanted to do something for them. We’re all going to leave this world one day, but I want to leave something behind for them."
For Beasley, purchasing a home was an opportunity to build something lasting for the next generation and a reminder that a person's future is not defined by their past.
Beasley’s story illustrates the impact of programs that help residents move toward long-term stability and financial opportunity. Through DARE, the City works to make homeownership more attainable for eligible first-time buyers through financial assistance and connecting participants with the resources needed to navigate the homebuying process.
"Homeownership can change the trajectory of a family’s future, creating stability today and opportunities for generations to come," said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. "Our record 71 closings this fiscal year represent 71 milestones for individuals and families working toward a place to call their own. Oscar’s story is a powerful reminder that everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better future, and I’m proud of the City employees and community partners who work together every day to help make those opportunities possible."
The DARE program provides down payment and closing-cost assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers purchasing homes within Tampa city limits. Depending on household income and eligibility, qualified buyers may receive up to $50,000 in assistance through the City’s program.
"Today, more than ever, achieving homeownership is a milestone worth celebrating," said CRA Chair Naya Young. "The East Tampa CRA’s downpayment assistant program, combined with the City’s, has made this dream possible for residents who thought this dream was out of reach. Now, they are homeowners — rooted in a neighborhood where they can build a foundation, create generational wealth, and become invested in their city."
For many prospective homeowners, the path to purchasing a home involves navigating a complex process. DARE helps connect participants with the education, counseling, financial assistance, and professional guidance they need to move from preparing to purchase a home to successfully reaching the closing table.
The program’s Fiscal Year 2026 results reflect the scale of this collaborative effort:
71 completed homebuyer closings and $5.31 million in total assistance (East Tampa CRA funding included). Since 2019, the start of Mayor Castor’s first term, the DARE program has assisted with 426 closings, and nearly $20 million in down payment assistance has been awarded (East Tampa CRA funding included).
Applications for the DARE Program are currently open. To learn more, click here.