Statement of Function
The William E. Sadowski Act adopted in 1992 established the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program and a housing trust fund using documentary stamp revenues. The trust fund is then distributed to counties and large cities across Florida. The purpose and intent of the program is to encourage the provision and rehabilitation of decent, affordable housing for the residents of Indian River County. This program assists very-low, low, and moderate-income households to achieve their goal of homeownership by providing down payment and closing cost loan assistance to first time homebuyers. The SHIP Program also provides rehabilitation loan and rehabilitation grant assistance to help existing homeowners with the necessary repairs on their homes making them safe or sanitary for habitation, or correction of substantial code violations.

Available Funds: SHIP/Florida Homebuyer Opportunity Progam (FHOP) loan for Up to $8,000 for downpayment assistance for applicants eligible to receive  the 1st-time Homebuyer's Tax Credit created throught The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The loan must be paid back within 18 months of the closing. Official Public Notice.
• Fair housing / Equal housing Ordinance Notice to Public
• Housing Discrimination Information
• Fair Housing - Equal Opportunity for All

2009/2010 Goals and Objectives
• Maintain eligibility for SHIP funding.
• Enhance public awareness of the SHIP program throughout the county.
• Reduce the cost of housing for households with very low, low, and moderate incomes in the County.
• Maintain the County’s affordable housing partnership with lenders, builders, and housing non-profit
organizations.