State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP)

SHIP
is the centerpiece of the William E. Sadowski Affordable Housing Act. The SHIP
program channels a portion of new and existing documentary stamp taxes on deeds
directly to local governments
for the development and maintenance of affordable housing. Lee County’s SHIP
program provides funding and technical assistance to nonprofit housing
development organizations and down payment/closing cost assistance to qualified
homebuyers.
Regulatory Authority
The SHIP program was created per Florida
Statute 420.907 and is subject to the rules of Florida Administrative Code
67-37, and the 2014–2017 and 2017–2020 Lee County Local Housing Assistance
Plans.
Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP)
LHAP was prepared for the County's participation in the SHIP program, in compliance with Florida Statute 420.907 and Florida Administrative Code Rule 67-37.
2020-2023 Local Housing Assistance Plan
Affordable Housing Incentive Review Report
2021/2022 Grant Application
The total funding available for FY 2020/2021 (Supplemental) and FY 2021/2022 is $2,867,698.
SHIP Program Manual
The purpose of the Lee County SHIP program is to
provide safe and affordable housing for very low, low and moderate income
families. SHIP funds are available on a competitive basis to non-profit
organizations. This manual is a guide to all non-profit housing providers that
use SHIP funds to assure the funds are spent in accordance with all state and
county requirements. The
procedures outlined in this manual provide an overview of the SHIP program and
provides a step-by-step guide that includes applying for available funds,
close-out packets, and managing the client file.
SHIP Program Manual
SHIP Process
The annual cycle begins each July when the State
informs the county of the amount of SHIP funds that will be available. The notice of funding availability is
typically advertised in August and applications become due in September. After
ranking, the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) reviews and makes
recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC). The BoCC approves
the contracts and then work can begin. Invoices are reimbursed for the SHIP
work rendered.
Current Income Guides
SHIP Income Limits for Homeownership
SHIP Rental Income Guidelines
Additional Affordable Housing Programs and Direct Services
The Department of Human and Veteran’s Services
works directly with the public to assist with affordable housing needs. For
more information see:
Incentives
Every
3 years, the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee prepares an Incentive Review
and Recommendation report to evaluate the implementation of affordable housing
incentives. Incentives are adopted into the Local Housing Assistance Plan
(LHAP). Incentives include:
For more information concerning SHIP, call 239-533-8585.