State Housing Improvement Partnership (SHIP) funds used to renovate local homes

From The Nassau County Insider
by Sabrina Robertson
The County Manager’s Office
August 4, 1:00 p.m.

7/24/18 @ 2:15 p.m. – The State Housing Initiatives (SHIP) Program was established by the passage of the 1992 William E. Sadowski Affordable Housing Act and provides funding to local governments to produce and preserve affordable home ownership. In order to participate, counties must establish a local housing assistance program by Ordinance and develop a local housing assistance plan and housing incentive strategy. Funds are then allocated to local governments on a population-based formula. The funds are used to fund emergency repairs, new construction, rehabilitation, and down payment and closing cost assistance for very-low, low and moderate income families who meet all the requirements listed in Florida Statutes, Chapter 420.907, Florida Administrative Code 67-37, and Nassau County’s Local Housing Assistance Plan.

In Fiscal Year 2017/2018, 26 households were awarded SHIP funding for down payment and closing cost assistance for purchase of a new home or rehabilitation of an existing home. So far, 6 loans for down payment assistance have closed and 8 rehabilitation projects have been completed. Below are before and after photos of two homes that received assistance through the SHIP Program.

New roof, siding, windows, hand rails and gutters were added to the exterior of the home. The sub floor of front porch was secured and sagging foundation at rear of home was corrected. The bathroom was enlarged and sink, toilet, vanity and a new walk in shower was installed. New flooring was installed throughout. Electrical panel was brought up to code, smoke detectors replaced throughout, and insulation added to the attic.

Replaced roof, all siding and added gutters. Electrical panel was brought to code, GFI installed where needed and smoke detectors replaced throughout. Windows and HVAC was replaced. Installed walk in shower with handicapped bars, toilet, and vanity. Insulation added where needed.

For additional information about the SHIP Program including income requirements and associated guidelines, please visit our website. You may also call the Grants Office at (904) 530-6020 or e-mail Carol Gilchrist at [email protected].