Martin County Resources

 

State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Program:

The State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Program is administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. It provides funds to local governments as an incentive to create partnerships that produce and preserve affordable homeownership. SHIP funds are distributed on an entitlement basis to all 67 counties and 52 Community Development Block Grant entitlement cities in Florida.

Martin County Human Services administers this grant program for Martin County and develops the three-year Local Housing Assistance Plans for the program.

 

You may be eligible for the SHIP program if:

  • You are a Martin County resident.
  • You are the homeowner and the home is your primary residence.
  • Your household income falls within the specified guidelines.
  • Your home’s market value (determined by the Property Appraiser) does not exceed $560,154.
  • You complete the SHIP application and provide the required documentation.
  • Note: Mobile homes are not eligible.

 

 Rental Assistance Program:

Martin County Rental Assistance is designed to assist renters that are either in arrears with their rental payment(s) or to obtain a lease on a rental unit. The assistance provides funding for the first and last month's rent, plus a security deposit for a new rental.

Assistance for clients in arrears shall consist of no more than three (3) months of rental payments. A documented hardship is required. Applicants must meet SHIP program guidelines regarding income and the rental limits associated with their income bracket.

 

  The HOME Investment Partnerships Program:

The HOME Investment Partnerships Program is a Martin County-sponsored program to provide qualified residents with rental assistance in order for them to afford their monthly rent. Assistance will be made available as funding is made available and could be terminated at any time, if a participant is deemed to no longer be eligible and/or if funding is exhausted.

Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) is a rental subsidy used to help individual households afford rental housing costs. Martin County’s HOME TBRA assistance may be made available to the following applicants:

Residents of Martin County who are aged 62 or older at the time of application, whose household income does not exceed 60% of the Area Median Income:

  • 1 Person = $35,580
  • 2 People = $40,680
  • 3 People = $45,780
  • 4 People = $50,820

Applicants who are approved for the HOME TBRA program will be required to contribute 30% of their monthly income or $150, whichever is greater, toward their monthly rent. Approved applicants’ rental unit must be located in Martin County. Perspective tenants may not rent property from family members.

How to Apply

Complete the HOME TBRA Application (PDF). Applicants without access to the internet may utilize computers located in each of the county’s libraries or at the Human Services’ office. Those who wish to apply, but are confined by age or disability, may make an appointment to complete an application over the phone, or in person.

Submit the completed application by email, or in person at: 

Martin County Human Services
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
435 SE Flagler Avenue
Stuart, Florida 34994

Applicants will be assisted on a first-come, first-completed, first-served basis.