Fort Myers woman says homeownership dream became reality through NACA program

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — For years, Jazzmen Williams had the same goal as many Southwest Florida renters—to own a home of her own. 

Like many first-time buyers, she wasn't sure it was possible.

"I’m gonna admit, a little skeptical," Williams said.

Williams first learned about the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America, or NACA, through social media in 2025. She decided to give the program a chance, unsure if it would actually lead to homeownership.

More than a year later, she's standing in a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in Fort Myers that she now calls her own.

"I love my house. I love to be able to do what I want in my own space," Williams said.

Her story is one example of what NACA hopes to achieve this weekend as it brings its "Achieve the Dream" homeownership event to Fort Myers for the first time.

The three-day event at the Fort Myers STARS Complex is designed to help prospective homebuyers navigate the path to homeownership through workshops, counseling sessions, and mortgage qualification assistance.

According to NACA Founder and CEO Bruce Marks, attendees can complete much of the process in a single day.

"In one day, go through the four steps of the process: do a home buyer workshop, upload your information, meet one-on-one with a NACA counselor, and meet with a NACA underwriter to be NACA qualified," Marks said.

NACA says its mortgage program offers qualified buyers no down payment, no closing costs, no mortgage insurance, and below-market fixed interest rates. The organization also does not use traditional credit scores in its qualification process.

Marks said the need for affordable pathways to homeownership continues to grow, especially as housing costs remain high.

"People are paying high rents, but if you come to NACA, you can get a mortgage payment less than you're paying in rent," Marks said.

The nonprofit expects more than 3,000 people to attend the Fort Myers event over three days.

The turnout has also caught the attention of city leaders.

Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson attended Friday's event and said the partnership between the city and NACA aligns with Fort Myers' broader efforts to address housing affordability.

"Here's an organization that can help people who typically would struggle with getting a mortgage, get a mortgage," Anderson said.

The city has been working on attainable housing initiatives, including building homes that can be sold at cost. Anderson said having a partner that can help residents qualify for mortgages could expand opportunities for local families.

"There are families, especially in Southwest Florida and Fort Myers, who are struggling with trying to get their first home," Anderson said.

For Williams, the process moved faster than she expected.

After uploading her documents and working with a counselor, she found a home she loved. Her offer was accepted in September 2025, and she closed the following month.

"When she called me, I was just like, 'Are you serious?'" Williams recalled.

Today, she says one of the biggest differences is knowing she's investing in herself rather than paying rent.

"My mortgage and my rent are about the same cost," Williams said. "I'm not paying someone else's mortgage. I'm investing in my future."

As hundreds of prospective buyers continue to walk through the doors of the STARS Complex this weekend, Williams hopes others find the same opportunity she did.

NACA's Achieve the Dream event continues from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Organizers say walk-ins are welcome and appointments are not required.