DISASTER/MITIGATION STRATEGY

(This strategy is only available after the Governor signs an Executive Order)

SHIP funds will be used for repairs of existing housing units damaged from any natural, State, Federal, and/or man made disaster. Assistance is provided to very-low, low and moderate income families who own or rent in Sumter County. Funds will be used for, but not limited to the following items: (a) to protect owner-occupied homes from damage through temporary measures such as tree removal preceding roof repair, or use of plastic sheeting preceding window replacement; (b) repairing structural damage, roof repair or replacement, demolition costs, replacement of residence as determined by an insurance adjuster or the Building Official; (c) construction of wells or repair of existing wells where public water is not available; (d) payment of insurance deductibles for rehabilitation of homes covered under homeowners insurance policies; (e) retrofitting activities such as waterproofing and/or elevating the structure. These funds may be used as a match with other forms of disaster assistance as allowed by Federal and State laws and will only be available after the Governor of the State of Florida signs an executive order declaring a disaster.

The maximum award is $25,000.00.

Assistance shall be in the form of a grant for funds expended up to $10,000.00. For funds expended over $10,000.00 up to $25,000.00, assistance shall be in the form of a 0% interest deferred payment loan and secured by a mortgage and note for a maximum term of ten (10) years.

Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis, as long as additional funding (if needed) is secured through the insurance company or a lender, following annual advertisement of the availability of SHIP funds. If the applicant has insurance, we will accept the work write-up from the insurance company in order to repair or replace the single family residence as quickly as possible. If waiting lists exist, new applicants will be added to the existing list. Applicants may submit a completed SHIP application to the Sumter County Housing Department for determination of income eligibility when a disaster has been declared.