Wakulla County Announces the Anticipated Availability of State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Funds
The Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners announces a possible award of $368,591 in State Fiscal Year 2023-2024 funding available through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program to be used for the following Local Housing Assistance Plan strategies:Homebuyer Purchase Assistance.
The purpose of this strategy is to provide down payment, closing cost, and principal reduction to qualified first-time homebuyers. The maximum amount of SHIP funds that may be awarded per unit is $10,000 for very-low-income, $10,000 for low-income, and $10,000 for moderate-income households. Homebuyers may not have claimed homestead exemption in the last three years. Mobile homes are not eligible for homebuyer purchase assistance. APPLICANTS ARE LIMITED TO ASSISTANCE ONCE EVERY TEN (10) YEARS.
Rehabilitation Program
The purpose of this strategy is to bring existing home back into compliance with minimum HUD Housing Quality Standard by repairs of improvements needed for safe and sanitary living conditions. Rehabilitation will include items necessary to correct code violations and/or substantially rehabilitate the home. The maximum amount of SHIP funds that may be awarded per unit is $35,000. The homeowner must claim homestead exemption and the home must be occupied to be considered for rehabilitation. Mobile homes built prior to 1994 are not eligible. APPLICANTS ARE LIMITED TO ASSISTANCE ONCE EVERY TEN (10) YEARS.
Demolition/Reconstruction Program
The purpose of this strategy is to provide total replacement of existing homes that are more than 51% structurally unsound as determined by a certified Housing Rehabilitation Specialist or Building Inspector. Deteriorated structures are demolished and replaced with a new site-built home. The maximum amount of funds that may be awarded per unit is $100,000. The homeowner must claim homestead exemption and the home must be occupied to qualify. APPLICANTS ARE LIMITED TO ASSISTANCE ONCE EVERY TEN (10) YEARS.
All interested persons will need to initially apply or re-apply. SHIP Applications will be available beginning Monday, January 8, 2024, through Tuesday, February 6, 2024, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, EST, Monday through Friday by contacting:
Anser Advisory
Tara Reynolds
(850) 681-3717
tara.reynolds@anseradvisory.com
All applications will be considered on a first come, first qualified basis using the Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) priorities regarding funding strategy goals and limitations. Funding priority for all categories will be persons with special needs as defined by 420.0004 Florida Statutes. Awards for all strategies is subject to availability of funds. Questions regarding the SHIP program and application process should be directed to the contact named above.
