PLEASE NOTE ALL CLIENTS MUST HAVE AN APPOINTMENT IN ORDER TO BE ASSISTED:

CHANGES TO THE FOLLOWING PHONE NUMBERS FOR THE LISTED COUNTY DEPARTMENTS:

VETERAN SERVICE OFFICE: PHONE NUMBER IS (850) 229-6125

SHIP: PHONE NUMBER IS (850) 312-3932.

ARPC Contact Information:

Kwentin Eastberg (Housing Coordinator)
[email protected] | 850.312.3932

SHIP Application Link: https://portal.neighborlysoftware.com/ARPC/Participant

Income Limits Link: ship-2025-combined-income-and-rent-limits-(eff-4-1-2025).pdf 2026 Income Limits

Gulf-SHIP Available Strategies:
The SHIP program in Gulf County offers the following options to eligible homeowners and first-time home buyers:

Owner-Occupied Home Rehabilitation Description: Funding up to $60,000 available for eligible owner-occupied households for rehabilitation prioritizing health and safety, code violations, and American Disability Act (ADA) accommodations.

Purchase Assistance Description: Funding up to $50,000 is available for first-time home buyers, but not to exceed 50% of the purchase price. This funding is available to existing residents of Gulf County with a maximum purchase price of $255,000. Funding will be provided for down payment assistance, closing costs, and other eligible costs associated with purchasing a home.

SHIP LOCAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE PLAN (LHAP) 2024-2027

HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT OUR S.H.I.P. PROGRAM?
THIS PROGRAM PROVIDES FUNDING FOR PURCHASE ASSISTANCE OR REHABILITATION TO EXISTING HOMES. You must own your home, be income eligible and the program has other items that we must meet such as set aside amounts, assisting special needs applicants, construction, mobile home limits, and home ownership.

DO YOU WANT TO APPLY?

THESE PROGRAMS REQUIRE A 30 DAY ADVERTISEMENT PERIOD. ONCE WE HAVE COMPLETED THAT ADVERTISEMENT PERIOD, WE WILL TAKE APPLICATIONS UNTIL FUNDING HAS BEEN SPENT.

LOCATIONS WHERE YOU CAN GET APPLICATIONS, WHEN AND WHERE TO TURN THE APPLICATIONS IN, WHAT IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION AND HOW THE PROGRAM WILL SELECT APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDING, WILL ALL BE DISCUSSED IN THE ADVERTISEMENT.

APPLICATIONS WILL BE ON THIS WEBPAGE WHEN AVAILABLE.

If you need affordable housing, you can go here www.gatewayofstjoe.com

If you have any issues with your housing at Gateway Homes, please contact the following personnel: Julie Pruitt or Mary Finney: (850) 227-1350 or (850) 215-8966. If resolution to your issues do not get resolved, please contact Lori Bobier at [email protected]

State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program

Creation of Program
The State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program is the centerpiece of the William E. Sadowski Affordable Housing Act, passed in 1992. SHIP was created to provide funds to local governments as an incentive for the creation of public/private partnerships for the production of affordable housing. The SHIP Program channels a portion of Documentary (DOC) Stamp proceeds from real estate transfers directly to local governments, enabling local governments to address the needs identified in their local comprehensive plan housing elements with locally designed SHIP strategies.

2017-18 SHIP Annual Report
2019-20 SHIP Annual Report
2020-21 SHIP Annual Report
2021-22 SHIP Annual Report
2019-20 HHRP Annual Report

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are applications available?
A: Normally applications are available in the month of July after the 30 days of advertising has been accomplished.

Q: What are the income requirements for the program?
A: Income guidelines are furnished by the State of Florida each March. These guidelines include income limits for families in size from one to eight members.

Q: What income is counted?
A: Gross Annual Income (before taxes) of all adult members (18 years and older) of the household.

Q: Do certificates of deposit, other land owned, savings accounts, etc., count toward total family income?
A: Yes, all assets count toward the family income.

Q: How many times may one apply for assistance through this program?
A: As many times as one wishes; however, once selected and provided funds, the family is not eligible for further assistance for a period of 10 years of previous award. Stipulation that the lifetime maximum amount of funding for an applicant is $75,000.

Q: Can other program funds (rural development, etc.) be used in conjunction with SHIP funds to purchase a home?
A: Yes.

Q: Can owner financing work with this program?
A: No.

Q: Can one receive funds to rehabilitate their home if they have "an agreement for deed" through owner financing of their home?
A: No, the applicant must have a mortgage or deed to their home.

Q: How long is the mortgage for SHIP funds to purchase or build a home?
A: The mortgage is forgiven for this type of loan after 10 years. The mortgage is repayable only when the home ceases to be the primary residence of the applicant. Repayment is interest free! The principal amount is reduced by 10% each year.

Q: What about mortgages for rehabilitation assistance?
A: The mortgage for rehabilitation assistance is for 10 years, provided the applicant resides in the home for the full period. If the applicant moves, sells or otherwise ceases to use the home as their primary residence, then the mortgage is due and payable with no interest due.

Q: Can a person(s) make application even though they live together but are not married?
A: Yes, however, both must sign the mortgage and both incomes are counted for verification and approval.

Q: How long does it take to get approved to build or buy a home through the purchase assistance program?
A: Everything depends on verification of income, commitment from a seller/contractor, and bank approval for the loan.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Questions concerning the
Gulf County SHIP Program
may be directed to:

Kwentin Eastberg
Ship Administrator
(PLEASE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT)

(850) 312-3932 Phone

(850) 229-7180 Fax

EMAIL:
[email protected]