NOTICE: We are accepting applications for the following SHIP strategies: Water/Sewer Hookup, Down Payment Assistance and Rental Assistance. We are not accepting SHIP Rehabilitation applications until further notice.

What is SHIP?

The State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Program is administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. It provides funds to local governments as an incentive to create partnerships that produce and preserve affordable homeownership. SHIP funds are distributed on an entitlement basis to all 67 counties and 52 Community Development Block Grant entitlement cities in Florida.

Martin County Human Services administers this grant program for Martin County and develops the three-year Local Housing Assistance Plans for the program.

You may be eligible for the SHIP program if:

  • You are a Martin County resident.
  • You are the homeowner and the home is your primary residence.
  • Your household income falls within the specified guidelines.
  • Your home’s market value (determined by the Property Appraiser) does not exceed $560,154.
  • You complete the SHIP application and provide the required documentation.

Note: Mobile homes are not eligible.

Household income range:

  • 1-Person Household: Low: $47,450; Moderate: $71,160.
  • 2-Person Household: Low: $54,200; Moderate: $81,360.
  • 3-Person Household: Low: $61,000; Moderate: $91,560.
  • 4-Person Household: Low: $67,750; Moderate: $101,640.
  • 5-Person Household: Low: $73,200; Moderate: $109,800.
  • 6-Person Household: Low: $78,600; Moderate: $117,960.
  • 7-Person Household: Low: $84,050; Moderate: $126,120.
  • 8-Person Household: Low: $89,450; Moderate: $134,280.

These rates are valid until updated.

Martin County Rental Assistance is designed to assist renters that are either in arrears with their rental payment(s) or to obtain a lease on a rental unit. The assistance provides funding for the first and last month's rent, plus a security deposit for a new rental.

Assistance for clients in arrears shall consist of no more than three (3) months of rental payments. A documented hardship is required. Applicants must meet SHIP program guidelines regarding income and the rental limits associated with their income bracket.

Income and Rent Limits by Household Size and Unit Size
Percentage Category Income limit by number of persons in household Rent limit by number of bedrooms in unit
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3
30% 17,800 20,350 24,860 30,000 35,140 40,280 476 621 814
50% 29,650 33,900 38,150 42,350 45,470 49,150 794 953 1,101
80% 47,450 54,200 61,000 67,750 73,200 78,600 1,270 1,525 1,761
120% 71,160 81,360 91,560 101,640 109,800 117,960 1,906 2,289 2,643

 

Program funding is limited and subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis.

How to apply for rental assistance

To apply for rental assistance, please call ahead to set up an appointment to drop off your completed Rental Assistance Application (PDF) and copies of the required items listed above to:

Martin County Human Services
435 SE Flagler Avenue
Stuart, FL 34994

Incomplete applications will not be accepted or processed until all documentation is received. Once your application has been reviewed, you will receive a letter with further instructions.

For questions or to schedule an appointment, call Martin County Human Services at (772) 288-5456. You’ll receive a call back within 48 hours.

How to Apply

To apply for the SHIP Program, please access our Online Application Portal, then select "Register." Once you create an account, you will be able to submit an application. For any questions, please call us at (772) 288-5456.

If you are unable to register and complete the application online, please call us at (772) 288-5456 to schedule an appointment, and we will arrange for you to complete the application in our office.

Any applications not submitted within 60 days will be considered inactive.

Martin County Human Services
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
435 SE Flagler Avenue
Stuart, Florida 34994
(772) 288-5785