Housing Programs

HOME Program (Federal Assistance)

Home buyer program encourages the acquisition of existing affordable homes for low-income families by providing assistance with certain closing costs and down payment.

As of March 2, 2012 this program is open for applications.

Public review / comment for both plans will be accepted through March 17, 2015. Please direct any questions to Erin Malbeck at 850-981-7092 or Meredith Nunnari at 850-595-0022.

State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program

SHIP First Time Homebuyer Program is designed to assist low and moderate-income families with down payment and closing cost assistance for the purchase of their first home. Applicants qualified for first mortgage financing may apply through their lender located in Escambia or Santa Rosa County. The assistance is in the form of a deferred payment loan that becomes forgivable after 15 years of occupancy by the family.

As of October 1, 2011 this program is open for applications.

Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) Home Ownership Assistance

Santa Rosa County is a recipient of NSP-1 funding under the Florida State Administered Community Development Block Grant Program for eligible uses specified in the 2008 Housing and Economic Recovery Act. NSP funds must be used to address abandoned and foreclosed properties in areas of greatest need.

As of March 2, 2012 the NSP Home Ownership Assistance funds are 100% committed.