Young Tampanian Achieves Dream of Homeownership
The City of Tampa is highlighting the life-changing impact of its DARE to Own the Dream Homeownership Program through the story of Tampa native Adrianne Harden, a fifth-generation resident who recently achieved her dream of homeownership at just 25 years old.
Harden closed on her first home in February, after receiving $100,000 in homeownership assistance through the City of Tampa’s DARE Program and Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) funding. Her journey reflects the City's ongoing commitment to helping residents build wealth, stability, and a future through homeownership.
A Tampa native, Harden grew up understanding the importance of homeownership from her parents, who encouraged her to pursue owning a home rather than renting. After graduating from college in 2022, she moved back in with her family and worked full-time while saving toward her goal.
Although a job layoff temporarily delayed her plans, she remained determined, completing a homebuyer education course through R.E.A.C.H. (Real Estate Education and Community Housing) in 2025 and ultimately securing assistance through the city's programs. Within months of receiving approval, Harden made an offer on a home during the first week of January and closed just over a month later.
"Adrianne's story is exactly why we continue investing in programs that make homeownership more attainable for Tampa residents," said CRA Board Chairwoman Naya Young. "Homeownership creates stability for families, strengthens neighborhoods, and helps residents build generational wealth. We're proud to support hardworking individuals like Adrianne as they achieve this important milestone and put down roots in the city they love."
Harden's new home allows her to remain close to her family in the Seminole Heights area while beginning the next chapter of her life as a homeowner.
To help more residents follow a similar path, the City of Tampa is inviting the public to attend its upcoming Homeownership Event on Friday, June 26, 2026.
The event is open to Tampa residents and all City of Tampa employees interested in learning more about the home-buying process and available housing resources.
Homeownership Event
Friday, June 26, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
City Center at Hanna Avenue
2555 E. Hanna Ave.
Tampa, FL 33610
Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with lenders, real estate professionals, housing counseling agencies, City staff, and other industry experts. Participants can learn about the home-buying process, explore financial assistance opportunities, and discover programs designed to help make homeownership more attainable.
The City of Tampa's housing initiatives are designed to expand access to affordable homeownership opportunities and empower residents to invest in their futures while strengthening neighborhoods across Tampa.
For more information about the City's homeownership assistance programs and housing resources, visit the City of Tampa Housing and Community Development Division.
About the DARE to Own the Dream Homeownership Program
The City of Tampa offers down payment assistance loans to income eligible home buyers of property within the City limits of Tampa. The loan is in second position behind primary financing from a mortgage lender and is typically known as a "silent second" because of the 0% rate and $0 monthly payment. The Deferred Payment Loan (DPL) can remain "silent" as long as the property continues to be the owner’s primary residence and owner occupied. The program provides up to $50,000.00 to assist income eligible first time homebuyers to achieve the dream of homeownership.