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State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Program

What is SHIP?

The State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Program is a Martin County sponsored program to provide loans to very-low, low, and moderate income persons to assist them in obtaining a home or rehabilitating their existing home. Under the SHIP program, qualified Martin County homeowners can request income-related housing rehabilitation assistance.

Water/Sewer Hookup:

The Martin County State Housing Initiatives Program (SHIP) offers two funding sources to assist homeowners with water/sewer hookup. SHIP provides up to $18,000 in the form of a grant to qualifying, low income households for water/sewer hookup.

Down Payment Assistance:

The down payment and closing cost assistance strategy plays a role in providing affordable housing in Martin County. The majority of new homes being built in Martin County are not within the price range of the identified income groups. The availability of existing homes in the appropriate price range does meet some of the affordable housing needed for Martin County. SHIP funds can be used to offset the costs of down payment, closing, and other acquisition fees for very low, low and moderate income households.  Up to $30,000 can be offered to moderate income households and up to $50,000 for very low and low income households in a form of a 0% interest deferred payment loan secured by a fifteen (15) year note.

Rehabilitation Assistance:

The SHIP program provides up to $40,000 in the form of a zero interest, deferred payment mortgage to qualifying homeowners (extremely low, very low, low and moderate income households) for home repairs. SHIP funds may only be used to make improvements that contribute to the health, safety and well-being of the occupants. Repairs/ improvements may include, but are not limited to:

  • Water/sewer hookup
  • Roof replacement
  • Electrical or plumbing
  • Heating and cooling units
  • Windows and doors

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 $311,464
  • You complete the SHIP application and provide required documentation
  • Note: Mobile homes are not eligible

2021 Income Limits:

These rates are valid until updated:

HOUSEHOLD INCOME RANGE

MEMBERS IN HOUSEHOLD

LOW

MODERATE
1

$40,050

$60,120
2

$45,800

$68,640
3

$51,500

$77,280
4

$57,200

$85,800
5

$61,800

$92,760
6

$66,400

$99,600
7

$70,950

$106,440
8

$75,550

$113,280

The following is a partial list of improvements that would be eligible under the program as determined by the Program Administrator:

  • Correction of an inadequate electrical service and/or wiring, which presents a hazard of fire or shock of electrocution.
  • Correction of leaking or inadequate water supply and/or septic systems, which presents a health hazard when the total of other approved repairs exceed $1,500.
  • Correction of inoperable, leaking, or otherwise grossly inadequate windows and doors, which make proper heating and cooling of the dwelling unit(s) impossible at a reasonable cost to the owners.
  • Improvement of the roof, walls, ceiling, floors, or other structural elements which are in danger of collapse because of cracking, shifting, etc., or which leak moisture or air in a manner that affects the health of the occupants.
  • Replacement of heating and cooling units or systems, which are inadequate to properly heat and cool the dwelling unit(s) or present fire or other health or safety hazards.
  • Insulation to a structure, which is not now insulated.
  • Correction or removal of unsafe stairs or porches.
  • Cost of permits and related fees required by the County or municipalities to accomplish the improvements.
  • Any other improvements deemed eligible and appropriate to meet SHIP program goals as determined by the Program Administrator or designee.
  • Improvements to make structures accessible for handicapped members of household.
  • Demolition and one-for-one replacement of units that are deemed infeasible for rehabilitation of the original structure AND where leverage funds (CDBG, USDA, HOME, etc.) are available and sufficient to complete the project and comply with all SHIP program requirements.

SHIP funds will not be used to make improvements that do not contribute to the health, safety, and well-being of the occupants; or that do not materially contribute to the structural integrity or long-term preservation of the unit. Painting, paneling, and carpeting are not subject to this limit if done to cover newly-installed material.

How to Apply

Martin County Human Services utilizes Neighborly Software, an online application portal used to apply for housing assistance within Martin County. To apply, please select the "Online Application Portal" button below, then select "Register." Once you create an account, you will be able to submit an application. If you have any questions regarding this online portal, 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, located at 435 SE Flagler Avenue in Stuart, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

Online Application Portal