| Dear Winter Haven Residents, The City of Winter Haven is committed to ensuring all our residents have access to safe, comfortable, and affordable housing. We are excited to inform you about the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program, designed to help low to moderate-income families with housing needs. |
What is the SHIP Program? The SHIP Program provides financial assistance for a variety of housing activities including home repairs, rehabilitation, and down payment assistance. This initiative aims to improve living conditions for eligible households within our community. |  |
| Are You Eligible? You might be eligible for the SHIP Program if you: Reside within the city limits of Winter Haven. An easy way to identify this is to look at the color of your trash and recycling bins. Those within City Limits will have blue & green bins. If your bins are gray & black, you live in unincorporated Polk County regardless of if your address says “Winter Haven”. Polk County residents should reach out to the County’s SHIP program staff at (863) 534-5240 or [email protected]. Own and occupy your home as your primary residence.Meet the program’s income and property value requirements. The program serves very low, low and moderate income levels. Visit our website for detailed information on current income limits for the program. Are looking to address housing issues such as safety repairs, accessibility modifications, or require assistance in purchasing your first home. |
 | Program Highlights: Emergency Repairs: Address immediate electrical, plumbing, or structural threats to your health and safety.Home Rehabilitation: Major repairs and improvements including roofing, HVAC, and electrical system updates.Down Payment Assistance: Financial aid for first-time homebuyers covering down payments and closing costs. |
How to Apply: Interested in applying or learning more? We’re here to help! Please reach out to our program administrators at Guardian Community Resource Management for guidance and application forms. Email: [email protected]Applications are processed on a first-come, first-qualified basis, so we encourage you to contact us at your earliest convenience. Join Us in Investing in Winter Haven We believe everyone deserves a place they can call home. With the SHIP Program, we’re making strides toward that goal every day. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your living situation and contribute to our community’s well-being. |