SHIP Administration
Phone: 904.259.3613 Option 2
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am to 5pm
Address: 360 E Shuey Ave, Macclenny, FL 32063
Director: Lydia Mangano
NOTICES

APPLICATION PERIOD: NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS 

A waiting list has been created as there are more applicants than available funds. Once waiting list has been exhausted, advertising will announce new application window.


**************************************************************************************************************************************************

WHEN applications are being accepted, notice will be posted to this website, the Baker County Press, Baker County Board of Commissioners on Facebook, posted to the doors of the Administration Building & Community Development Building, at the City of Macclenny, the Town of Glen and Council on Aging. At THAT time, please click this link   SHIP Applicant Portal  to create your user profile, complete the application and upload the required documents.

The amount of funding received each fiscal year from Florida Housing is currently based on population. Currently Baker County is 1 of 22 
(as of FY 24-25) counties that receives the minimum distribution, $350,000.

As of 2/2022, out of FY 19-20 State SHIP funds received, we have expended:
1/2 - Demolition/New Construction (remaining 1/2 of project from FY 18-19)
2 - Demolition/New Constructions
1/2 - Demolition/New Construction (1/2 of 1 project will be funded from FY 19-20 AND 1/2 from FY 21-22)

Due to the COVID pandemic, there were NO State SHIP funds received for affordable housing FY 20-21

As of 9/3/2024, out of FY 21-22 State SHIP funds received, we have expended: 
1/2 - Demolition/New Construction/Replacement (remaining 1/2 of 1 project from FY 19-20)

2 - Demolition/New Construction/Replacement 

1/2 - Demolition/New Construction (1/2 of 1 project will be funded from FY 21-22 AND 1/2 from FY 22-23)


As of 3/22/2024 updated application statistics from  FY 22-23 & FY 23-24 (advertising complete/application window closed)
Application review completed and is assigned to FY based on 1st come, 1st qualified, set aside requirements.
45 Total applications received
19 Qualified/Awarded Applications

As of 6/10/24 - 9 People are waitlisted. Per application request 8 are Demo/New Construction, 1 is Rehabilitation. Site inspections are still required to determine if this is type of assistance to be granted.

As of 10/28/2024, out of FY 22-23 State SHIP funds received, we have expended: 
1/2 - Demolition/New Construction/Replacement (remaining 1/2 of 1 project from FY 21-22)
1 - Demolition/New Construction/Replacement

3 - Emergency Repairs

3 - Rehabilitations

1/2 - Rehabilitation (Split between 2 FY)


As of 10/28/2024, out of FY 23-24 State SHIP funds received, we have expended:  
1/2 - Rehabilitation (remaining 1/2 of 1 project from FY 22-23)
1 - Demolition/New Construction/Replacement
As of 9/3/2024, out of FY 23-24 State SHIP funds received, we have encumbered:
1 - Demolition/New Construction/Replacement


As of 9/3/2024, out of FY 24-25 State SHIP funds received, we have encumbered: 

2 - Demolition/New Construction/Replacement

1- Rehabilitation


As of 9/3/24 - 6 People are waitlisted. Per application request, all 6 are Demo/New Construction and have been confirmed via site inspections.

SHIP Program
What is the SHIP Program?

In 1992, the William E. Sadowski Affordable Housing Act was established under a bipartisan agreement with an ultimate goal of creating jobs and helping those who lived in substandard housing. Funds are allocated to local governments based on population. These funds are derived from the collection of documentary stamp tax revenues. The Florida Housing Finance Corporation administers the SHIP program (State Housing Initiatives Partnership), which provides funds to local governments as an incentive to create partnerships that produce and preserve affordable homeownership and multifamily housing. The targeted population must be considered very low to moderate income households as defined by Housing Urban Development (HUD).



What is an LHAP?
An LHAP is a Local Housing Assistance Plan. Every local government participating in SHIP is required to have an approved LHAP at all times. Local governments are required to submit LHAPs by May 2nd once every three (3) years, covering the three (3) fiscal years beginning July 1st of the year the plan is submitted. LHAPs are designed to detail how each local government will expend funds allocated to them for each fiscal year.
Baker County Current LHAP:  Current Baker County LHAP


SHIP Funding Strategies

When funding is available, Baker County participates in the following strategies as detailed in the LHAP:

Owner Occupied Rehabilitation - SHIP Rehab Flyer
  * The owner occupied rehabilitation strategy provides needed building code related repairs to the primary, homesteaded homes of eligible county residents. Through this strategy, substandard housing conditions are corrected to improve the health, safety and welfare of the occupants. If qualified for this strategy, a Deferred Payment Loan (DPL) Lien is placed on the property for 15 years, at which time the loan is forgiven as long as the applicant continues to own and occupy the residence as their primary, homesteaded property.

Emergency Repair
  * Emergency repair is to assist homeowners of primary, homesteaded, site built homes or eligible mobile homes (post June 1994) with wheel chair ramps, roof repair, septic system repair, well work, HVAC work, or other repairs decided on a case by case basis by the Baker County Board of Commissioners via recommendation of the SHIP Administrator. If qualified for this strategy, a Deferred Payment Loan (DPL) Lien is placed on the property for 1 year, at which time the loan is forgiven as long as the applicant continues to own and occupy the residence as their primary, homesteaded property.

Demolition/Reconstruction
  * Demolition/reconstruction is for existing homeowners living in their primary, homesteaded, unsafe structures with building code violations beyond reasonable repair. Funding is provided to assist income eligible homeowners with the demolition of their unsafe structure and replacing it with a new home thus ensuring the home is building code compliant, safe, insurable and accessible. If qualified for this strategy, a Deferred Payment Loan (DPL) Lien is placed on the property for 20 years, at which time the loan is forgiven as long as the applicant continues to own and occupy the residence as their primary, homesteaded property.

Disaster Mitigation 
(only available when a disaster has been declared for Baker County by Florida Governor or President of United States)
  * Disaster mitigation assists households following a disaster declared by Executive Order of the Governor of Florida or President. This strategy will only be implemented in the event of a disaster using any funds that have not yet been encumbered or additional disaster funds issued by Florida Housing Finance Corporation. SHIP disaster funds may be used for items such as, but not limited to:
     - Purchase of emergency supplies for eligible households to weatherproof damaged homes.
     - Interim repairs to avoid further damage; tree and debris removal required to make the individual housing unit habitable.
     - Construction of wells or repair of existing wells where public water is not available.
     - Payment of insurance deductibles for rehabilitation of homes covered under homeowner's insurance policies.
     - Security deposits, rental assistance for the duration of State of Florida.
     - Other activities as proposed by the counties and eligible municipalities and approved by Florida Housing.
Other Resources

The agency names below are clickable links directly to those agencies or you may call the number listed.

LOCAL:
Council on Aging                       904-259-9318  
Macclenny Housing Authority     904-259-6881
ElderSource of North Florida       1-888-242-4464 
Baker County Veterans Services   904-259-2516

STATE OR FEDERAL:
Florida Housing - Hometown Heroes: Hometown Heroes Program


CDBG
Community Development Block Grant 

CDBG First Public Hearing Notice Baker County, Florida

First Public Hearing Notice

Advertisement Date 9/25/2024

 

Baker County is considering applying to Florida Commerce for a FFY 2023-2024 Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The County is eligible to apply for up to $750,000 in the neighborhood revitalization, commercial revitalization and housing rehabilitation categories and up to $1.5 million in the economic development category. Construction activities funded through the CDBG Program must meet one of the following National Objectives:

 

1.  Provide benefit to low- and moderate-income persons;

2.  Prevent or eliminate slum or blight conditions; or

3.  Meet a need of recent origin having a particular urgency. 

The types of activities that CDBG funds may be used for include constructing stormwater ponds, paving roads and sidewalks, installing sewer and water lines, building a community center or park, making improvements to a sewage treatment plant, and rehabilitating low-income homes. Additional information regarding the range of activities that could be funded will be provided at the public hearing.

 

In developing a CDBG application, Baker County must plan to minimize displacement of persons as a result of the activities. In addition, Baker County is required to develop a plan to assist displaced persons.

 

A public hearing to obtain citizen comment concerning the County’s economic and community development needs will be held at the BOCC Chambers, 55 N. Third Street, Macclenny, FL 32063, on October 1, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. For information concerning the public hearing, contact Sara Little, County Manager, at (904) 259-3613 or by e-mail at countymanager@bakercountyfl.org.

 

The public hearing is being conducted in a handicapped accessible location. Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in the hearing is asked to advise the County at least five days before the hearing by contacting Sara Little, County Manager, at (904) 259-3613 or by e-mail at countymanager@bakercountyfl.org. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the County using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800) 955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800) 955-8770 (Voice).

 

Any non-English speaking person wishing to attend the public hearing should contact Sara Little, County Manager, at (904) 259-3613 or by e-mail at countymanager@bakercountyfl.org at least five days prior to the hearing and an interpreter will be provided.


************************************************************************************************************************************************

CDBG Second Public Hearing Notice - Baker County, Florida

Second Public Hearing Notice - Advertisement Date 10/3/2024  

Baker County plans to apply to Florida Commerce for a FFY 2023-2024Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) of$750,000 in the housing rehabilitation category. The activities, dollar amounts and estimated percentage of benefit to low-and moderate-income persons are as follows:

Activity Name / CDBG Funding / LMI Benefit

Administration / $112,500/ N/A

Temporary Relocation /$5,000 / 100%

Housing Rehabilitation / $632,500 / 100%

Baker County plans to rehabilitate or demolish and replace at least ten very low-, low-and moderate-income homes within the unincorporated areas of the county that do not meet current building code standards. Baker County will accept applications for rehabilitation assistance from qualified homeowners if grant funding is received.

Baker County does not expect that anyone will be permanently displaced as a result of CDBG-funded activities. If any persons are displaced as a result of the planned activities, Baker County will assist them as described in the County’s anti-displacement and relocation policy, which is available for review at the County Manager’s Office.

A public hearing to provide citizens an opportunity to comment on the application will be held at the BOCC Chambers,55 N. Third Street, Macclenny, FL 32063, on October 15, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. A draft copy of the application will also be available for review during normal business hours at the County Manager’s Office by noon on October 11, 2024. Persons wanting to submit written comments on the application should send them to Sara Little, County Manager, by e-mail at countymanager@bakercountyfl.org or by mail to 55 N. Third Street, Macclenny, FL 32063 no later than October 15, 2024. Immediately following the public hearing, a Fair Housing workshop will be conducted for the public, property owners, housing professionals and local officials to receive information and training materials covering local, state, and federal Fair Housing laws.

A copy of the final application will be available for review in the County Manager’s Office no later than October 16, 2024. The application will be submitted to Florida Commerce on or before October 17, 2024. To obtain additional information concerning the application and the public hearing, contact Sara Little, County Manager, at (904) 259-3613 or by e-mail at countymanager@bakercountyfl.org.

The public hearing is being conducted in a handicapped accessible location. Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in the hearing is asked to advise the County at least five days before the hearing by contacting Sara Little, County Manager, at (904) 259-3613 or by e-mail at countymanager@bakercountyfl.org. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the County using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800) 955-8771 (TDD) or1(800) 955-8770 (Voice).

Any non-English speaking person wishing to attend the public hearing should contact Sara Little, County Manager, at (904) 259-3613 or by e-mail at countymanager@bakercountyfl.org at least five days prior to the hearing and an interpreter will be provided.

 ************************************************************************************************************************************************ 

CDBG Application Approved Resolution:

CDBG Activity: 

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Question - How do I know if I am qualified for SHIP Assistance?
Answer - You must own your homesteaded property/residence (including mobile home) and the land, both without a mortgage and/or payment (this includes to private individuals aka Rent/Lease To Own). You must be current on your property taxes. May not have more than $ 10,000.00 in assets.
Your name must be the name on the deed to the homesteaded property.

Question - I have received SHIP assistance before, can I get it again?
Answer - Depends on the type of assistance. For more specific answers, refer to the Baker County SHIP Program LHAP (see link above). There may not be more than 1 SHIP Deferred Payment Loan (DPL) agreement in effect at a time, except in the instance of Disaster Assistance.

Question - What if I live with a family member but I have a vacant piece of property, will the SHIP Program build me a new house?
Answer - No. The SHIP Program is to assist with your HOMESTEADED, owner occupied property, not investment or vacant properties.

Question - Are there any special rules that may apply, like do I have to have homeowners insurance?
Answer - Depends on the assistance.
In the case of Owner Occupied Rehabilitation, homeowners insurance is encouraged but not mandatory. 
In the case of Demolition/New Construction, homeowners insurance is MANDATORY and must be maintained through the conclusion of the Deferred Payment Loan Agreement, with proof annually that the policy is still in effect.

Question - What if the property I live on is not in my name, not on the deed? Do I qualify for assistance through SHIP?
Answer - No. You MUST own the property. You must be on the deed. It must be your homesteaded property.

Question - Does assistance through SHIP affect my property taxes?
Answer - Depends on assistance.
Owner Occupied Rehab, the answer is no. 
Demolition/Reconstruction, the answer is yes. Due to "new home", the Property Appraiser's office will asses the "new value" of the property and you could see an increase in your property taxes. The SHIP Program is not able to determine or guess what that increase will be.

Question - Everyone has a different definition of "Elderly". What is considered "Elderly" for SHIP Purposes?
Answer - Elderly As defined in Chapter 420.0004(8), F.S. Elderly describes a person 62 years of age or older.

Question - Is "Elderly" considered a "special needs"?
Answer - For the purposes of the SHIP Program, just being elderly (over 62 years of age) is not considered special needs.

Question - How do I know if I qualify as "Special Needs"?
Answer - As defined in Rule Chapter 67-48, Florida Administrative Code, "Special Needs Household" means a household consisting of a Family that is considered to be Homeless, a Survivor of Domestic Violence, a Person with a Disability, or Youth Aging out of Foster Care. These households require initial, intermittent or on-going supportive services from one or more community based service providers to obtain and retain stable, adequate and safe housing in their communities.

Question - What is considered Disabled?
Answer - As defined in Chapter 420.0004(7), F.S. Disabling condition means a diagnosable substance abuse disorder, serious mental illness, developmental disability, or chronic physical illness or disability, or the co-occurrence of two (2) or more of these conditions, and a determination that the condition is: 
(a) Expected to be of long-continued and indefinite duration; and 
(b) Not expected to impair the ability of the person with special needs to live independently with appropriate supports.

Question - What is considered a Survivor of Domestic Violence?
Answer - "Domestic Violence" means domestic violence as defined in Section 741.28, F.S. (2) Which states: Domestic Violence means any assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another family or household member.

Question - Who counts as a member of the household?
Answer - "Family or Household Member" means as defined in Section 741.28, F.S. (3) Which states: Family or household member means spouses, former spouses, persons related by blood or marriage, persons who are presently residing together as if a family or who have resided together in the past as if a family, and persons who are parents of a child in common regardless of whether they have been married. With the exception of persons who have a child in common, the family or household members must be currently residing or have in the past resided together in the same single dwelling unit.