Homeownership Assistance in Miami-Dade County & Florida

Program status: SCDC is rebuilding and restarting its homeownership assistance services. This page explains the program direction and historical mission. Current funding, eligibility, award amounts and application dates will be posted when the program is formally opened.

Helping More Families Move Toward Homeownership

Sunbeam Community Development Corporation was established in 1989 to help make homeownership a real possibility for families facing financial barriers. As SCDC restarts its housing mission, the organization is developing a renewed homeownership assistance program for residents of Miami-Dade County and communities throughout Florida.

The goal is straightforward: connect eligible households with practical housing resources and, when funding permits, financial assistance that can help close the gap between being ready to buy and being able to complete a purchase.

What Homeownership Assistance May Address

PURCHASE COSTS

Down Payment & Purchase Barriers

Homebuyers may face upfront costs that make a purchase difficult even when they can afford ongoing housing expenses. SCDC is exploring assistance structures that can address approved purchase-related costs when funding is available.

CLOSING COSTS

Closing Cost Assistance

Historical SCDC materials describe assistance with certain closing costs. A renewed program will specify exactly which costs are eligible, how assistance is structured, and what documentation is required.

SECOND MORTGAGE

Secondary Financing

SCDC historically used second mortgage assistance as one tool for helping qualified families purchase homes. The restarted program will publish its actual structure and terms before applications are accepted.

HOMEOWNERSHIP READINESS

Preparation & Resources

Homeownership involves budgeting, credit, financing, property selection and long-term ownership costs. SCDC intends to provide or connect families with educational and community resources that support informed homebuying.

Who the Program Is Designed to Serve

Historical SCDC materials describe a focus on moderate- to low-income households, new immigrants, residents of central cities and rural communities, and families with special needs. The restarted program will establish current eligibility standards based on funding requirements, applicable laws and the final written program guidelines.

Households seeking to purchase a primary residence.
Families experiencing financial barriers to home purchase.
Applicants who may need assistance coordinating multiple housing resources.
Families who may qualify for special-needs housing assistance under a future dedicated program.

How SCDC Will Build the Program

Secure and document appropriate funding.
Adopt written eligibility and underwriting procedures.
Define eligible properties, costs and assistance limits.
Publish application forms and required documentation.
Open applications only when funding and program capacity are confirmed.

Planning to Buy a Home?

HUD notes that homebuyers can also use state and local assistance programs and housing counseling resources. Florida has county-level homeownership assistance programs, including down-payment and closing-cost programs in multiple counties.

SCDC's role will be clearly identified once each restarted program is formally activated.

Learn How to Apply Contact SCDC