Manatee County Offers Nearly $1 Million to Help Low-Income Homeowners with Disabilities Repair Unsafe Housing
Manatee County is allocating nearly $1 million to support low-income homeowners with disabilities in repairing or replacing unsafe housing through its State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Housing Rehabilitation and Replacement Program.
Administered by the Community and Veterans Services Department, the program offers 0% interest, deferred loans with a 20-year term, fully forgiven at the end of the period if the homeowner continues to reside in the residence. If the property is sold, rented, or vacated before the term ends, the full amount becomes due.
The initiative focuses on essential repairs, accessibility improvements, and home modifications—such as ramps, assistive technologies, and other upgrades—to help residents remain independent and maintain their homeownership.
Applications are open through November 14 at 5 p.m. and are available online, by phone, or in person. Priority will be given to households impacted by Tropical Storm Debby, Hurricane Milton, or Hurricane Helene. Eligible applicants include homeowners with developmental disabilities or disabling conditions who receive SSD/SSDI or other disability-related benefits.
A lottery drawing on November 21 will determine the order in which qualified applicants are served. Homes must be located in unincorporated Manatee County or within the City of Palmetto, and all applicants must meet specific income and property-value limits.
A second application period will begin on December 15 for both general and special-needs households that meet the qualification criteria.
Residents needing assistance with the application process can contact Manatee County Community and Veterans Services at 941-749-3030. For more information, visit mymanatee.org or call 941-748-4501.
