November 14, 2007 - Grant Awarded to INTACT for 250 Homes

The Volunteer Florida Foundation recently awarded a second year grant to St. Lucie Inspired Network to Achieve Community Together (I.N.T.A.C.T.), the county's long term recovery organization.  Through the partnership, I.N.T.A.C.T. will be able to provide 250 low income homeowners with a free home inspection and assistance to make improvements that will strengthen their homes against catastrophic losses.

In the past 12 months, I.N.T.A.C.T. has provided hurricane shutters, exterior/garage doors, gable end bracing, and secondary roof water barriers to 150 low income homeowners in the county.  Stefanie Myers, the Long Term Recovery Coordinator for I.N.T.A.C.T. said, ''We are excited to be working with the My Safe Florida Home Program again this year.  Our lower income residents would not be protected against major storm damage without this partnership.''

To qualify for this assistance, a homeowner can earn no more than 80 percent of the Annual Median Income (AMI), must own their site built pre-2002 constructed home and have a homestead exemption.  Participating homeowners will receive free home inspections to determine improvements that can be made to strengthen their homes against hurricane damage. Following the inspections, homeowners will receive assistance to make some of the recommended improvements.  Program Manager Renee Scott stated ''We hope eligible homeowners will call us and apply so we can get their inspections completed and retrofits done before the next hurricane season.''

Funding for the partnership with non-profit organizations is possible because of a $250 million appropriation by the Florida Legislature during the 2006 Session to create the Florida Comprehensive Hurricane Damage Mitigation Program, now referred to as My Safe Florida Home and administered by the Florida Department of Financial Services. I.N.T.A.C.T. has identified match funds in excess of $1 million in order to be able to make the program successful in St. Lucie County.  To obtain additional information on how to access INTACT services for this program, please go to http://www.stlucieco.gov/community/intact.htm or call (772) 462-1777.  The application and brochure are available online.