State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Program

Funding is provided from the State to the City of Bradenton as an incentive to create partnerships that produce and preserve affordable home ownership. The program was designed to provide very low, low, and moderate-income families with assistance to purchase a home, repair, and/or replace a home. Since 1998, the City has expended $6,447,463.06 to date of assistance for affordable housing. This program also benefits the city through the creation of property tax payers and increased tax revenues as a result of property improvements that increase the value of the properties rehabilitated.

City of Bradenton continues to demonstrate its commitment to the housing needs of residents through the establishment of the Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP). It is through this plan that the city seeks to meet the affordable housing needs of its citizens by developing key housing partnerships among public, private, and non-profit agencies.

The City provides SHIP funds as a loan to first-time home buyers to purchase homes in the City of Bradenton. Housing rehabilitation funds are provided as a loan or a grant. These funds can be used for home repairs (including reconstruction), to add wind mitigation features to a home, or to increase accessibility for households with a disabled/handicapped family member. Every SHIP dollar invested leverages $4.20 in other public and private funds, and the housing rehabilitation program provides jobs for local contractors and tradespeople. Both the down payment assistance and housing rehabilitation programs revitalize communities by providing opportunities for home ownership and arresting blight and decay within neighborhoods.

SHIP Annual Report

The SHIP Annual Report is available for inspection at the Manatee Public Library- Central Branch, 1301 Barcarrota Boulevard West, Bradenton, FL, 34205.

Comments may also be emailed to housing@cityofbradenton.com