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HOME-American Rescue Plan Funding Survey Results Now Available
Information provided by Escambia County
Escambia County has published the results of the HOME-American Rescue Plan public survey. The survey was open to citizens of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties at libraries and community centers from Sept. 8-16. Click here to view the results of the survey.
Survey participants were asked to answer questions addressing topics related to homelessness in the community. Topics included identifying target populations in several areas: those currently experiencing homelessness or most at risk of homelessness and their needs; those most in need of additional assistance to secure permanent housing; and those with the greatest need for additional assistance and supportive services. Participants were also asked to identify the area of greatest funding need for shelter facilities in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
A public meeting was held Monday, Sept. 26 at the Brownsville Community Center to discuss the results of the survey. Attendees also shared their opinions on how to best allocate funding from the HOME-ARP program. Based on survey responses and input from the public meeting, staff will create a community engagement plan for the HOME-ARP program.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 appropriated $5 billion to provide housing, services and shelter to individuals experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations. These funds were allocated by formula to jurisdictions that qualified for funding through the HOME Investment Partnership Program from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This special round of funding is called the “HOME-ARP” program.
In September 2021, the Escambia County Continuing of Care program (which consists of Escambia County, Santa Rosa County, the City of Pensacola and the City of Milton) was awarded $4.1 million in HOME-ARP funds.
These funds can be used for homelessness assistance and supportive services that primarily benefit qualifying populations as defined in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The HOME-ARP Program is a stand-alone program distinct from the traditional HOME Program.
HOME Program (Federal Assistance)
The program encourages the acquisition of existing affordable homes for low-income families by providing assistance with certain eligible closing cost and down payment. As of 2021, applications are being accepted and will continue to be accepted until funds are depleted.
Your first step will be to get with one of our registered lenders to get pre-approved on a first mortgage. These lenders have attended a face-to-face training session on how to submit homebuyer applications. You will not directly apply to us; your lender will submit your application to us on your behalf. Once we have received your file and are able to determine your eligibility, we will then schedule a day and time for you to come to our office to sign award paperwork.
Please review the below eligibility documentation.
- 2022 HOME Homebuyer Program Summary - this provides details to the program, household income limits, property restrictions, and lien periods. It also tells you about the requirement of attending an 8-hour First Time Homebuyer course.
- Registered Lenders List - this is the list of lenders that are approved to submit homebuyer applications under our program
- Eligible/Non-Eligible Closing Cost – this lists the closing cost that can and cannot be paid using our funding
State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program
Please be advised that the Santa Rosa County SHIP First Time Homebuyer Program is not accepting applications due to depleted funds. However, new fiscal year funding will soon be released, therefore, the Housing Department will start accepting applications on August 29, 2022. Any applications submitted prior to this start date will not be accepted. SRC has allocated $722,961 for this year's SHIP First Time Homebuyer Program. These funds are provided from our 2022.2023 FY allocation, remaining release of our 2021.2022 FY allocation, and our 2021.2022 program income.
The process for applying for these funds is that same as the HOME Program listed above. Please review the below eligibility documentation
- 2022 SHIP First Time Homebuyer Summary - this provides details to the program, household income limits, property restrictions, and lien periods. It also tells you about the requirement of attending an 8-hour First Time Homebuyer course.
- Registered Lenders List - this is the list of lenders that are approved to submit homebuyer applications under our program
- Eligible/Non-Eligible Closing Cost – this lists the closing cost that can and cannot be paid using our funding
Required Homebuyer Course
Any borrower using one of the above homebuyer assistance programs must complete a HUD approved homebuyer course. Please contact one of the two agencies listed below to schedule an appointment.
- Community Enterprise Investments, Inc. - This course has limited seating, so once you have made application to a lender for a first mortgage, go ahead and schedule your class. The face-to-face class is free of charge. You may also take their online class for a fee of $99.00. For the online class you will need to go to ehomeamerica. Select homebuyer education, then Florida, then Santa Rosa County, then Community Enterprise Investments, Inc
- Pensacola Habitat for Humanity - Classes offered on a monthly basis. The Course is free and includes a light breakfast and lunch. For more information go to: https://pensacolahabitat.org/housing-counseling or contact Betsy McDonald at 850-434-5456, Ext 131 or via email: emcdonald@pensacolahabitat.org
Other Homebuyer Assistance Funding Sources
There are many other homebuyer assistance funding sources available. Click on the below links to review the eligibility requirements. You will need to contact the agency directly with any questions you may have.
While Santa Rosa County does not administer rental developments, you may contact any of the agencies listed below to inquire about availability.
- Community Enterprise Investments, Inc. 850-595-6234 Ext. 204
- Progressive Management 850-623-5195
- Magnolia Crossing 850-994-5916
- Bell Ridge Apartments 844-207-4304
- Carter Crossing 55+ Community 850-626-0980
- Other Privately Owned & Government Owned Subsidized Rental