Seafood workers in SHIP program can apply for mortgage assistance

County commissioners are moving forward with changes to the local SHIP program that will provide assistance to people struggling to make their mortgage payments because of the oyster fishery failure.

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SHIP stands for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership program, which provides funds to local governments to help low and moderate income residents purchase or maintain their homes.

A number of local residents have benefited through the program, but because of the oyster fishery failure, many seafood workers are now struggling to make their payments to the program.

Earlier this month the county commission agreed to shift 60 thousand dollars from the county’s emergency fund for hurricanes to help make delinquent mortgage payments current for seafood workers who can demonstrate that their income has been substantially reduced due to the Bay Fisheries Failure.

The assistance could help 30 or more people depending on the amount each applicant needs.

The change has been approved by Florida Housing and the local SHIP program will now begin accepting and processing applications for the assistance.

County administrative director Alan Pierce said there may also be assistance for people with rent and utility payments beginning next month.

Mister Pierce said additional funds will likely become available in January that will allow for rent and utility payments for qualified individuals.

The new charitable program is supposed to have between $80 and $100 thousand dollars of funds for rent and utility payments and more information about that program should be available soon.

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