SHIP Disaster Recovery
COVID-19
The COVID-19 Disaster Recovery Program provides one-time rental assistance to eligible Okaloosa County residents who have experienced loss of income, reduction in hours, or unemployment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic only. Assistance will only be provided for rent, mortgage and utility payments due beginning on April 1, 2020 and onward. Eligible applicants must be able to continue to make rental payments and meet basic needs once assistance is provided.
The program is not designed to assist those who were not financially impacted by COVID-19 pandemic.
The County has authorized the SHIP Disaster Recovery Strategy for Okaloosa County residents for the following situations;
Rent Payments
Mortgage Payments
Utility Bill Payments
The SHIP Disaster Strategy Program will pay a one-time assistance for up to 2 months, not to exceed $3000.00. Payments will be made directly to landlords, mortgage holders, and utility companies. These funds are limited, once the funds are expended further assistance will not be available unless new funds become available. This is a first qualified first serve program.
ATTENTION ALL APPLICANTS: Please gather ALL required information into one complete package before submitting. Information coming in one piece at a time, due to the volume of applications, could result in something being missed and funds not being awarded, delays could require the process to have to be completed again.
Please print documents and sign required forms. All adults in household must sign one application and individually complete each of the other forms.
WARNING: Section 1001 of Title 19 of the U.S. code makes it a criminal offense to make willful false statements or misrepresentation to any department or agency of the United States as to any matter within the jurisdiction. False information may result in civil liability, and/or in criminal penalties including, but not limited to, fine or imprisonment or both.
Program Eligibility Requirements
Applicant(s) MUST have evidence of loss of income, reduction in hours, or unemployment as a result of the COVID19 pandemic only.
Assistance will only be provided for rents due beginning April 1, 2020 and onward.
Applicant(s) MUST reside in Okaloosa County
Applicant(s) MUST NOT have received any other COVID-19 financial assistance for the time frame payment is requested
Gross annual household income MUST NOT exceed 80% of Average Medium Income (AMI) per HUD limits chart effective April 1, 2020.
Rents MUST NOT exceed SHIP rental limits (80% AMI)
Applicant(s) MUST have a Lease/Mortgage in their name.
Applicant(s) MUST not have liquid assets that exceed two (2) months of the household’s monthly expenses
Applicant(s) MUST apply for unemployment benefits and may be required to provide support documentation.
Anyone wishing to apply for this assistance will need to complete the application and send the completed application along with a copy of ALL listed documents below. All forms can be found by clicking on the form name under the FORMS section below. Packages are also available for pick up outside the lobby of the Growth Management Office.
You may email them to ASantiago@myokaloosa.com or drop the package off in the box located outside the lobby of the Shalimar Growth Management office.
Please place all paperwork in an envelope and mark SHIP HOUSING – Disaster Assistance.
NOTE: Incomplete Packages will cause a delay in processing. Assistance is only available as long as SHIP funds are available. This is a first qualified first served assistance program.
If you have questions about the process please email or call one of our Housing Staff.
SHIP ASSISTANCE CHECKLIST
ALL household members 18 or older are considered adults and must sign all required forms
A. Completed Application Forms
SSN Waiver
Zero Income (if applicable)
B. Proof of Identity (may include one of the items below)
•Driver’s license • Birth certificates
C. Proof of number of dependents claimed by bringing your latest Federal Income Tax Return and one of the following:
• Birth certificate on which the parent/applicant’s name is listed • Divorce decree
• Letter of adoption • Court-ordered letter of guardianship
D. Income verification Items
• Last 2 months of paystubs
• Benefits letters/notices
• Child support documents (court order) If no court order is in place the Child Support Affidavit is required.
• Copies of bank statements. (Checking accounts - 6 months; Savings accounts - 3 months)
E. Assistance Documentation
• Copy of signed lease with Landlord contact information or Billing Statement from Mortgage Company
• Notice of job loss or reduction in hours from employer due to COVID-19
• Utility Bill with account number
• Unemployment support documents (proof you have filed for unemployment if applicable)
• SHIP Duplication of Benefits form (This form will be completed by the County after award has been approved but before payment will be made)
FORMS
Authorization of Release of Information
SHIP Duplication of Benefits (DO NOT PRINT & SIGN. This will be completed after award)
Created in 1992 as part of the William E. Sadowski Affordable Housing Act, The State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP) provides funds to local governments as an incentive to create partnerships that produce and preserve affordable homeownership and multifamily housing. The program was designed to provide very low, low, and moderate income families with assistance to purchase a home, money to repair or replace a home, as well as other types of housing assistance. This assistance is in the form of a deferred payment loan with 0% interest and no monthly payments. A wait-list may exist for this program. Funding is awarded to income qualified individuals and families on a first qualified, first served basis.
For more information on one of the programs described below please contact Okaloosa County Housing Staff
Owner Occupied Rehabilitation program provides financial assistance to low-income families for home repairs to alleviate health hazards, life and safety issues and code violations.
Funds have been made available for this program.
Those on the waiting list will be sent an application and necessary documents. Others interested in the program may call housing Staff and be placed on the waiting list.
Qualifications:
Purchase Assistance is designed to assist low income families with down payment and closing cost assistance for the purchase of a home.
There are currently NO funds available for this program.
Qualifications:
Planning Division
Building Division Inspections
Code Enforcement
Housing Programs
Elliot Kampert, Director
1250 N. Eglin Pkwy, Suite 301
Shalimar, FL 32579
Phone: (850) 651-7180
Fax: (850) 651-7058
E-Mail
302 N. Wilson St. - Suite 302
Crestview, FL 32536
1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Suite 100
Shalimar, FL 32579
Call 689-5050 or 423-1542 for all departments.
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