SHIP Funds Available to Aid in Disaster Relief for Low-Income Families

10/19/16 at 10:15 a.m.  - Executive Order Number 16-230 was issued by Governor Rick Scott on October 3, 2016, due to threats related to Hurricane Matthew. The Executive Order allows local government to use unencumbered State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funds to carry out activities related to disaster relief (Florida Administrative Code, 67-37.005(9)).

Nassau County citizens in need of emergency assistance for damages related to Hurricane Matthews could qualify for up to $5,000 in grant funds to be used to protect their home from further damage. Examples include tree removal from home, hiring of a cleaning service to extract water, roof repairs, boarding of broken windows, and payment of insurance deductible. Mobile homes and rental properties are not eligible.

Assistance is only for very-low and low income families. This applies to those with household income equal to or less than 80% of the area median income as shown on the chart below:

Household Size       Annual Income Limit 
1                    $36,350
2                    $41,550
3                    $46,750
4                    $51,900
5                    $56.100
6                    $60,250
7                    $64,400
8                    $68,550

Nassau County citizens meeting the above requirements or needing assistance should contact the Nassau County SHIP Office at (904) 530-6020. Applicants will be required to fill out a Disaster Self Certification Form and a SHIP Application, and must provide income documentation. 

-Carol Gilchrist
 Office of Management & Budget/Grants/SHIP