The Sadowski Affordable Housing Act, as authorized under f.s. 420.907-420.9079 and Rule 67-37 Of the Florida Administrative Code provides for and allows State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funds to be used for a variety of housing activities, including but not limited to; repairs, rehabilitation, down payment assistance and disaster assistance.  SHIP funds can be used to support a number of household income levels as outlined in the current Local Housing Assistance Plan.

Funds in the SHIP Program are provided year round and are administered on a first come-first ready basis.  The Program is designed for low to moderate income households, therefore applicants must be income qualified in order to participate in the program.

Eligible Activities under the SHIP Minor/ Emergency Repair Program:

• Repairs necessary to mitigate code violations or repairs needed to address health and safety issues.
• Leaking or damaged roof /including structural repairs.
• Electrical malfunctions and plumbing issues requiring immediate repair.

Minor/Emergency Repair Eligibility Requirements

• Applicant must own and occupy as primary residence, the property for which work is to be done.
• The property assessed value cannot exceed $510,937.
• The home must be within the Winter Haven city limits.
• Applicants will be ranked for assistance based on a first-qualified, first ready bases.
• Applicants must close any open permits or code violations on the subject property before applying unless the repair in intended to correct the code violations or open permit.
• Property for repair must be a single family, condominium or townhouse, cannot be a mobile home. 

Eligible activities under the SHIP Rehabilitation Program:

• Repair/replace roof
• Repair/replace HVAC
• Repair/replace electrical wiring/electrical panel boxes
• Repair/replace insulation and water heater
• Install Handicap Accessibility Improvements (ramps, rails, grab-bars, etc.)
• Make minor plumbing repairs
• Repair/replace windows, doors, etc.

Housing Rehabilitation Eligibility Requirements

• Applicant must own and occupy as primary residence, the property for which work is to be done.
• The property assessed value cannot exceed $510,937.
• The home must be within the Winter Haven city limits.
• Applicants will be ranked for assistance based on a first-qualified, first ready bases.
• Applicants must have homeowner’s insurance and must agree to maintain the insurance for the five (5) year term of the loan.
• The property must be single-family, a townhouse or condominium (no mobile homes.)
• Applicant must be current on all existing mortgage (s) and tax assessments.  

Rehabilitation Loan Terms

• Assistance is a Deferred Loan secured by a recorded mortgage and promissory note.
• Interest rate: 0% 
• Term:   5 years
• Amount up to $50,000
• Forgiveness: Forgiven at the end of five years
• Repayment:  None, except in the case of default where from 20% up to 100% would be due 

Down Payment Assistance

• Funds are provided for down payment assistance and closing costs to eligible individuals.
• Down Payment Assistance up to $60,000 based on household income.
• Homes must not exceed $544,243
• Home must be a single family dwelling, condominium or townhouse. Cannot be a mobile house.
• The home being purchased must be located within Winter Haven City Limits.

Eligible Down Payment Assistance Requirements

• Applicant must purchase as home within the city limits of Winter Haven.
• Applicant must be able to secure a traditional first mortgage from a financial institution or mortgage company.
• Applicant must not have owned a home in the past three years.
• Applicant must attend an eight-hour homebuyers workshop.
• Applicant must sign a deferred, forgivable note and mortgage with a term of five (5) years, 0% interest.

Income Eligibility Limits

Income in this case means gross wages, income from assets, and certain other resources or benefits as determined by HUD and the Florida Housing Finance Agency. All of these Income Limits are adjusted for family size and the type and amount of assistance will vary according to need. 

**NOTE:  This is a partial list of all of the requirements for all programs.