$3.2 Million in Disaster Relief Funding Approved for Hurricane Victims¶
Tampa City Council voted unanimously Thursday to approve $3.2 million in State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP) Funds for hurricane disaster relief. The funds will assist City of Tampa homeowners affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton with mortgage payments, home repairs and insurance deductibles.
The funds will support up to $5,000 in mortgage assistance, $20,000 in home repair assistance and $10,000 insurance deductible reimbursement, with a maximum reimbursement of $20,000 per household.
"As our residents rebuild, we have to remember some of them are still displaced, renting somewhere while trying to fix up a home they are still paying a mortgage on," said Development and Economic Opportunity Administrator Abbye Feeley. "We are hopeful that these funds will keep them afloat as they continue to move forward."
The City will partner will ICF Incorporated, L.LC., which will assist with distribution of the funds through an application process. Interested residents will undergo a pre-application screening process to meet income eligibility requirements.
"Anything we can do to ease the burden on our neighbors struggling to recover after these devastating storms, is an important step forward," said Mayor Jane Castor. "I appreciate the City Council's support for this initiative."
To be eligible for these funds, residents must live within the Tampa city limits and income qualify. More information about online and in-person applications is forthcoming.