Flagler County Housing Services, through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), has announced disaster assistance for homeowners impacted by Hurricane Milton. The relief is available for income-eligible residents and focuses on providing funds for home repairs and insurance deductibles. However, the program does not cover losses such as food.
Applications for assistance must be submitted during the active disaster declaration period, with a deadline of December 6, 2024.
“We are pleased that this funding is available to help Flagler County residents who have suffered from the damage caused by Hurricane Milton,” said Housing Program Manager Devrie Paradowski. “The damage stories we’ve heard are heartbreaking. While we wish we could help with other needs like lost food, our funding is limited to home repairs and insurance deductibles.”
What’s Available?
The SHIP program offers two types of relief:
- Minor Home Repairs:Up to $10,000 for disaster-related repairs, with payments made directly to approved vendors.
- Insurance Deductibles:Up to $5,000 for disaster-related insurance deductibles, also paid directly to approved vendors.
How to Apply?
Homeowners can apply online by visiting [www.flaglercounty.gov/ship](http://www.flaglercounty.gov/ship). For more information on eligibility and application instructions, residents can email housingservices@flaglercounty.gov or call 386-586-2324, Ext. 3631.
Once an application is submitted, county staff will follow up with the applicant to request additional documentation, including income verification, proof of homeownership, and evidence of disaster-related damages.
Key Program Guidelines
- All payments are made directly to vendors in accordance with Flagler County Procurement Policies.
- Expenses already incurred will not be reimbursed.
- The program does not cover relocation assistance or temporary housing.
- Assistance is strictly for damages related to Hurricane Milton and cannot be applied to previous events.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be the primary homeowner with a homestead exemption.
- The property must be located in Flagler County, and mobile or manufactured homes must have been built after 2007.
- The homeowner’s household income must fall within the very low to moderate-income range.
- The applicant must have a documented insurance claim or home damage related to Hurricane Milton.
Additionally, applicants must disclose any other disaster relief funds they have already received, as assistance cannot duplicate other aid.
Income Limits Based on Household Size
- 1 person: $72,960
- 2 people: $83,400
- 3 people: $93,840
- 4 people: $104,280
- 5 people: $112,680
- 6 people: $120,960
- 7 people: $129,360
- 8 people: $137,640
Flagler County urges homeowners affected by Hurricane Milton to take advantage of this opportunity before the December 6 deadline. The SHIP program offers vital support to help residents recover from the storm and begin rebuilding their lives.