Tampa Republic

The Tampa City Council has approved $3.2 million in funding to aid residents affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The decision was made unanimously on Thursday, with the funds sourced from the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP). This financial assistance aims to support homeowners in Tampa with mortgage payments, home repairs, and insurance deductibles.

Homeowners can receive up to $5,000 for mortgage assistance, $20,000 for home repairs, and a $10,000 reimbursement for insurance deductibles. However, the total reimbursement per household will not exceed $20,000.

Development and Economic Opportunity Administrator Abbye Feeley emphasized the importance of this relief effort: "As our residents rebuild, we have to remember some of them are still displaced, renting somewhere while trying to fix up a home they are still paying a mortgage on. We are hopeful that these funds will keep them afloat as they continue to move forward."

The city plans to collaborate with ICF Incorporated L.L.C., which will manage the distribution of these funds through an application process. Residents interested in applying will need to undergo a pre-application screening to determine income eligibility.

Mayor Jane Castor expressed her gratitude towards the City Council's decision: "Anything we can do to ease the burden on our neighbors struggling to recover after these devastating storms is an important step forward. I appreciate the City Council's support for this initiative."

Eligibility criteria require applicants to reside within Tampa city limits and meet certain income qualifications. Further details regarding online and in-person applications will be provided soon.