MONROE COUNTY FLORIDA STATE HOUSING INITIATIVE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (SHIP) NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY (NOFA)
The Monroe County SHIP program has $143,430 in legislatively mandated funding available to serve persons with special needs. The first priority of these special needs funds must be utilized for persons with special needs and developmental disabilities as defined by Florida Statute with an emphasis on home modifications including technical enhancements and devices which would allow homeowners to remain independent in their homes and maintain their homeownership.
In the event that there are insufficient applicants or no applicants to meet the first priority, the SHIP Program will accept applications which will allow homeowners to remain independent in their own homes and maintain their homeownership. Eligible improvements would include exterior/interior handicap ramps, handicap bathroom improvements, and other customary ADA recommended improvements.
A person with special needs is an adult person requiring independent living services in order to maintain housing or develop independent living skills; a young adult formerly in foster care; a survivor of domestic violence; or a person receiving benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance Program or the Supplemental Security Program or Veterans receiving disability benefits.
Eligibility – Definitions: “ Person with special needs” as defined in Section 420.0-004 (13) F.S.; The Road to Independence Program as defined in Section 409.1451(5); survivors of domestic violence as defined in Section 741.28-31; “Developmental disability” as defined in Section 393.063(9) F.S. recipients of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Veteran’s Disability Benefits.
Applicants must own their home and have a homestead exemption. In addition, they must be income eligible to qualify for funding. For the purposes of the SHIP income qualifications, beneficiaries may not have anticipated annual income which exceeds the current SHIP Program Income Maximum, Adjusted for Family Size as outlined below. Assistance is in the amount of $35,000 per qualifying household. The first $20,000 is a grant with no re-payments required. The balance of $15,000, if needed, is a deferred payment, no interest mortgage which is forgiven after 5 years as long as the homeowner owns and resides in their home as their primary residence.
Application packets are available from Monroe County Social Services (305) 292-4408 or 292-4405 you can also download from the Monroe County web site at: http://fl-monroecounty.civicplus.com/ index.aspx?NID=280.
Maximum
Monroe County SHIP 2015 Annual Income Limits Adjusted for Family Size
1 person $ 73,440 5 persons $113,160
2 persons $ 83,880 6 persons $121,560
3 persons $ 94,320 7 persons $129,960
4 persons $104,760 8 persons $138,360
Monroe County does not discriminate against any individual or group of individuals in any of its programs or activities, including the SHIP Program on the basis of handicap, age, race, color, country of national origin, creed, religion, set, or familial status, or any other condition which usually separates one individual or group of individual from another.