ReHouse Bay, a housing initiative launched in June to assist Hurricane Michael survivors, has received more than 500 unique inquiries on its new website, www.rehousebay.org. The program, administered by the City of Panama City and Bay County, connects residents to nearly $36 million of State Housing Incentive Partnership (SHIP) funding appropriated by the Florida Legislature for Bay County.
ReHouse Bay programs help impacted residents purchase new homes, provide assistance for rebuilding or repairing homes damaged by Hurricane Michael, and offer options for short-term rental, foreclosure and utility assistance. Residents, builders, contractors, realtors and lenders are encouraged to visit www.rehousebay.org to learn more about available housing assistance options, complete a short eligibility questionnaire and submit a housing assistance application.
“As the long road to Hurricane Michael recovery continues, the lack of affordable housing remains a pressing and far-reaching challenge for our communities,” Panama City City Manager Mark McQueen said. “ReHouse Bay guides people through state programs to help them understand eligibility requirements and navigate various assistance opportunities. The program was developed in support of our efforts to rebuild, rehouse, and revitalize Bay County.”
To be eligible for ReHouse Bay Housing assistance programs, applicants must seek housing in Bay County and meet program-specific requirements, depending on the type of assistance needed. For example, residents seeking closing-cost assistance must have an adequate credit rating to secure a mortgage from a lender.
For more information or to apply for disaster-related housing assistance visit www.rehousebay.org.