County Assistance Programs Provide Over $3.2 Million to Residents in Need

Escambia County has provided assistance totaling over $3.2 million this fiscal year to residents in need, helping residents with housing rehabilitation, down payment assistance, wheelchair ramps, emergency repairs, and even constructing brand-new homes through county programs.

This total represents more than a 100% increase in projects from the previous fiscal year, with 123 projects completed since Oct. 1, 2023, compared with 57 projects completed in the previous year. With additional pending projects and applications, the county expects these numbers to increase even further before the end of this fiscal year on Sept. 30, 2024.

These programs are implemented using State Housing Initiatives Partnership, or SHIP, funding that Escambia County receives each year, which is designated for assisting low- and moderate-income residents with a variety of housing-related needs. Many of these residents would be unable to complete repairs or purchase homes without this financial assistance, making these programs vitally important for Escambia County residents.

"We are continuing to see an increased need in our community for housing assistance, particularly for residents who are living on low and often fixed incomes," Neighborhood Enterprise Division Manager Garett Griffin said. "These programs are focused on helping those who are most in need, and we will continue to exhaust our state funding to ensure we are assisting as many people as possible. Our team has worked incredibly hard this year, and I'm proud of the number of people we've been able to help and the lives that are being changed for the better through these programs."

Several county residents who received assistance this year have shared their stories and highlighted the positive impact the county programs have made in their lives, including a new home for an 84-year-old resident, two new homes for longtime Cantonment residents, a new home for a retired resident, and wheelchair ramps to help two county residents maintain their independence.

The $3.2 million in assistance for fiscal year 2023-2024 includes the following:

• Homebuyer/Purchasing Assistance: $1,287,500
• Demo and Replacement: $520,700.75
• Housing Repair: $856,289.66
• New Construction: $554,900

With all of the Homebuyer/Purchasing Assistance program funding already expended for this fiscal year and FY 2024-2025, the county has temporarily paused applications for that program until additional funding becomes available. Other assistance programs are continuing to move forward in the meantime, with over $328,000 in additional funding encumbered for active projects, along with dozens of files currently in the application and bidding process for the remainder of this fiscal year.

"While we hate to run out of funding for any assistance program, this demonstrates that our programs are successfully providing low-income families with resources and support that may not otherwise be available to them," Griffin said. "We recognize that the need in our community is great, and our staff remains committed to working hard every day to help improve the quality of life for residents who need a helping hand."

Additional assistance may be available for income-eligible homeowners in Escambia County. Limited funding is available, but eligible residents in need of assistance are encouraged to reach out for more details. For information about eligibility requirements and assistance programs for Escambia County homeowners, please contact the Neighborhood Enterprise Division at [email protected] or 850-595-1642.

Escambia County resident Estella Marshall shows off the keys to her new home in March 2024, which was constructed through the county's Housing Demo and Replacement Programs.

Escambia County resident Hoza Turner on his new porch and wheelchair ramp installed through the Escambia County Wheelchair Ramp Program.

Escambia County resident Mary Simpkins was joined by her family, District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry and county staff as she cut the ribbon on her new home in July 2024.

Escambia County resident Estella Marshall, center, celebrates her new home with District 3 Commissioner Lumon May, county staff, and family.

Escambia County resident Emma Coker celebrates her new home with District 2 Commissioner Mike Kohler and county staff.

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