Project Boots Builds Momentum with Third Home Closing

This summer, LISC Jacksonville’s Project Boots homeownership program celebrated its third home closing while the second cohort of participants are continuing their journey through the program.

Dr. Kiersten Pough was officially handed the keys to her brand-new home in the Historic Eastside in late June, all due to her yearlong participation in the Project Boots program. As part of the program, Dr. Pough achieved a monthly savings goal, which was then matched by program funds to provide the down payment on the new home.

“Dr. Pough joins a special group of individuals who are very dedicated to being a part of changing the trajectory and narrative of the Historic Eastside community,” said Dr. Irvin “PeDro” Cohen, executive director for LISC Jacksonville. “This was our original purpose behind the Project Boots program. By providing a guided pathway to homeownership, one by one, we are bringing people back to the neighborhood so they can lead the revitalization of the community from within. It’s the residents’ voices, perspectives, and desires that will bring about positive, ever-lasting change.” 

Launched in Sept. 2021 with funding by LISC Jacksonville, LIFT JAX, and other community partners, Project Boots has since completed its first cohort with five program participants. Three of those five participants have closed on their new homes, while the remaining two homes are anticipated to break ground this year.

The broader community’s investment in Project Boots has continued to build momentum during 2024 as well. Significant investments from Delores Barr Weaver as part of her Legacy 2024 grantmaking and from the A.L. Lewis Black Opportunity and Impact Fund at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, plus support from Ameris Bank, have given the program a financial boost of more than $1 million to scale and grow the program through the next 10 years. Because of this, LISC Jacksonville was able to expand the second Project Boots cohort to 15 participants, which officially kicked off earlier this summer.

To successfully complete the Project Boots program and purchase their new home, participants must meet a monthly savings requirement, which is matched during the 10-month program commitment. They must also complete 10 required homeownership training sessions, which cover areas such as financial components of homeownership, using homeownership as a wealth-building mechanism, health-related topics, home maintenance and insurance, and other areas. The sessions are led by LISC Jacksonville and various subject-matter experts. Once complete, participants are able to receive down-payment assistance funds to then purchase and build a new home on existing vacant lots in the Historic Eastside and, in the future, other LISC-supported neighborhoods.

“The transformational investments from Mrs. Weaver and The Community Foundation demonstrate their strong belief not only in Projects Boots, but more importantly in the foundational concept of empowering residents and communities from within,” said Dr. Melissa Chester, economic development program officer for LISC Jacksonville, who leads the Project Boots program. “All of our program participants are so eager to be part of reinvigorating the fabric of our legacy neighborhoods. Their energy and enthusiasm for the future of their neighborhood, their neighbors, and themselves is palpable and contagious.”