During the meeting, representatives from the county’s Office of Housing and Human Services outlined the SHIP program’s benefits. They emphasized the importance of assisting residents who have faced damage from hurricanes and other storms. The program offers down payment assistance for low-income families, covering closing costs and helping them purchase homes. Additionally, for current homeowners, the program provides funds for repairs and replacements to ensure properties are safe and up to code. Importantly, residents do not need an existing code violation to qualify for assistance.

The council also discussed foreclosure prevention measures, offering up to $10,000 to help homeowners catch up on mortgage payments after financial hardships. Renters are not left out; the program provides up to $7,500 for eviction prevention and helps those meeting the HUD definition of homelessness with move-in costs and future rental subsidies.