Housing / UtilitiesResources

This team supports residents with the goal to ensure safe housing.

While they primarily help with safe housing needs, they do help provide or link to other emergency services. Reach out just in case they can help you locate what you need. They have a locally available case manager.

The work to pursues resources (money, materials, & muscle) and coordinate with partners, service providers, and volunteers to fulfill housing needs.

Examples include:

Roofing repair and replacement

Minor structural repair and connecting with resources for major structural and interior repair.

Construction and repair for safe access to homes such as, ramps, porches, railings, etc.

Property clean-up of storm related debris and preparation for housing

Assisting with replacement of permanent housing

Referral and advocacy for resources for food, health services, furniture, appliances, household goods, clothing, utilities, transportation services, etc.

The salvation army provides:

-Domestic Violence Support and Shelter Resources-Gulf County (850-769-7989 Help for Domestic Abuse | The Salvation Army USA)

-Transitional Housing

-Direct Assistance

-Emergency Disaster Support

The Community Resource Center (CRC) is an access point to resources and referrals to providers that assist with direct client services. Call or walk in for a Coordinated Entry housing needs assessment. Located at the A.D Harris Learning Center on East 11th street Mondays and Wednesdays 9am-1pm. This organization works closely with the Citizens of Gulf County Long Term Recovery, so it is possible that you might get referred to either entity for assistance.

Doorways of Northwest Florida (NWFL) is a non-profit organization that helps people in Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington counties find housing and other resources. 

Services 

• Housing assistance
• Doorways NWFL helps people experiencing homelessness, those at risk of homelessness, and those earning less than 50% of the annual median income.
• Case management
• Doorways NWFL provides case management services.
• Rental and utility assistance
• Doorways NWFL helps people pay for rental and utility deposits, past due rent and utilities, and more.
• Referrals
• Doorways NWFL provides referrals for employment assistance, medical and mental health, medical insurance, and COVID-19 testing and vaccine resources.

Location 

• Doorways NWFL is located at PO Box 549, Panama City, FL 32402.
• Their phone number is (850) 215-8800.
• Their email address is [email protected].

National VA Homeless Hotline-24hrs

This team supports residents with the goal to ensure safe housing.

While they primarily help with safe housing needs, they do help provide or link to other emergency services. Reach out just in case they can help you locate what you need. They have a locally available case manager.

The work to pursues resources (money, materials, & muscle) and coordinate with partners, service providers, and volunteers to fulfill housing needs.

Examples include:

Roofing repair and replacement

Minor structural repair and connecting with resources for major structural and interior repair.

Construction and repair for safe access to homes such as, ramps, porches, railings, etc.

Property clean-up of storm related debris and preparation for housing

Assisting with replacement of permanent housing

Referral and advocacy for resources for food, health services, furniture, appliances, household goods, clothing, utilities, transportation services, etc.

HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT OUR S.H.I.P. PROGRAM? State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program

Gulf County Government maintains the 21-22 SHIP round of funding, which is still available to support roofs, handicap rails and purchase assistance for eligible residents.

There are additional rounds of funding that are managed by Apalachee Regional Council at 850-488-6211.

We recommended reaching out to both to see what you could be eligible for. And if you have any challenges, call Kathy Gilbert at the very top of the Housing resource page.

State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) – Gulf County 

For homeowners currently occupying your homestead property seeking housing-related assistance or first-time homebuyers looking to purchase a home in Gulf County, Florida. 

Eligible Gulf County residents will be assisted through the following strategies identified by the Gulf Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) in the Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP): purchase assistance and owner-occupied housing rehabilitation/repairs.” 

THESE APPLICATIONS ARE ONLINE: 

If you are a resident of Gulf County and are interested in pre-screening for housing assistance please visit the following link: https://portal.neighborlysoftware.com/ARPC/Participant 

Capital Area Community Action Agency helps to coordinate the SHIP program for Franklin County.

SHIP applications include housing assistance, down payment program or emergency assistance to eligible applicants. For more information, go to the website or call the number above.

We are the boots on the ground to help people in crisis when they have trouble making ends meet while assisting those in poverty who want to become independent of government assistance.

Capital Area is ready to assist those eligible families who need help paying their electric bills or finding stable housing. The Agency can help eligible clients weatherize their homes so residents can better afford food or medicine.

The Getting Ahead program works with individuals and families to help work out of poverty. The Agency’s curriculum assists clients in better understanding the causes of poverty, setting life goals and providing support to help them work out of poverty to a life that is thriving.

We are the boots on the ground to help people in crisis when they have trouble making ends meet while assisting those in poverty who want to become independent of government assistance.

Capital Area is ready to assist those eligible families who need help paying their electric bills or finding stable housing. The Agency can help eligible clients weatherize their homes so residents can better afford food or medicine.

For young children from low-income families, Head Start is an incredible preschool program to get students ready for kindergarten. Head Start offers free medical care to kids. Family Advocates work with the parents to help them achieve more financial independence.

The Getting Ahead program works with individuals and families to help work out of poverty. The Agency’s curriculum assists clients in better understanding the causes of poverty, setting life goals and providing support to help them work out of poverty to a life that is thriving.

Community Development Block Grant - Rehabilitation serving eligible Franklin residents. To find out if you are eligible for this service, call the number above.

Through volunteer labor, discounted skilled labor and materials, CCDF supports area citizens in need, assuring their residences are safe, secure, and habitable. We are able to do minor repairs, but there are times when we partner with other agencies to do bigger projects. Additionally, CCDF assists in making homes more accessible for the disabled, building ramps, rails and adjusting doorway clearances.

MARIANNA AREA OFFICE of Area Director

Counties served: Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Wakulla and Washington.

What does this program do? 

Also known as the Section 504 Home Repair program, this provides loans to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes or grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards.

Who may apply for this program?

To qualify, you must:

Be the homeowner and occupy the house

Be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere

Have a household income that does not exceed the very low limit by county

For grants, be age 62 or older

What is an eligible rural area?

Utilizing the USDA Eligibility Site you can enter a specific address for determination or just search the map to review general eligible areas.

How may funds be used?

Loans may be used to repair, improve or modernize homes or remove health and safety hazards

Grants must be used to remove health and safety hazards

How much money can I get?

Maximum loan is $40,000

Maximum grant is $10,000

Loans and grants can be combined for up to $50,000 in assistance

What are the terms of the loan or grant?

Loans are termed for 20 years

Loan interest rate is fixed at 1%

Full title service is required if the total outstanding balance on Section 504 loans is greater than $25,000

Grants have a lifetime limit of $10,000

Grants must be repaid if the property is sold in less than 3 years

Is there a deadline to apply? 

Applications for this program are accepted through your local RD office year round

How long does an application take? 

Approval times depend on funding availability in your area. Talk to a USDA home loan specialist in your area for help with the application

Who can answer questions and how do I get started?

Contact a USDA home loan specialist in your area

What governs this program?

The Housing Act of 1949 as amended, 7 CFR Part 3550

HB-1-3550 - Direct Single Family Housing Loans and Grants Field Office Handbook

This program provides down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time, income-qualified homebuyers to help purchase a primary residence in the community in which they work and serve. The Florida Hometown Heroes Loan Program also offers a competitive first mortgage interest rate and additional special benefits to those who have served and continue to serve their country.

Program Details:

Eligible full-time workforce, employed by a Florida-based employer can receive lower than market interest rates on an FHA, VA, RD, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac first mortgage, reduced upfront fees, no origination points or discount points and down payment and closing cost assistance.

Borrowers can receive up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount (maximum of $35,000) in down payment and closing cost assistance.

Down payment and closing cost assistance is available in the form of a 0%, non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage. This second mortgage becomes due and payable, in full, upon sale of the property, refinancing of the first mortgage, transfer of deed or if the homeowner no longer occupies the property as his/her primary residence. The Florida Hometown Heroes loan is not forgivable.

An article about the program for more info:

Governor DeSantis announced the launch of Hometown Heroes in June 2022, and since then the program has helped 6,753 veterans, active-duty military members, nurses, teachers, and law enforcement officers purchase homes for their families.

“Florida’s hometown heroes work hard to support our communities, and I am proud that we have supported over 6,700 of them as they purchased their family homes,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Through the Hometown Heroes housing program, we are ensuring that our police officers, firefighters, teachers, nurses, and military members and veterans can afford to buy homes in the communities that they have dedicated their lives to serving.”

Following the initial success of the Hometown Heroes program, the Florida Legislature allocated additional funding for the program through the Live Local Act. On July 1, the Hometown Heroes program will receive $100 million for the 2023–2024 fiscal year to continue assisting Florida families in purchasing their first home. The maximum down payment assistance amount will increase to $35,000, or up to 5% of the first mortgage loan amount. To get started, homebuyers must connect with one of Florida Housing’s participating loan officers, have a minimum credit score of 640, be a first-time homebuyer, and earn less than 150% of the area median income, according to their local county data.

 For more information on the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program, please visit www.floridahousing.org/hometownheroes.

• Community Resource Center (CRC) open M-TH 8am-4pm operated out of Washington High School’s 305/307 classrooms.
• Currently support their CRC positions, including coordinator and employment services positions along with funding for emergency assistance payments.
• Staff assist with emergency and employment assistance; connecting employers and job seekers, job training, services to support individuals in becoming self-sufficient, SNAP and FarmShare services. They also fund training for those who are eligible under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

-Location services as a MyACCESS site with public computer to apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid and temporary cash.

-Get access to job training opportunities, job application support and more.

-Utility help with a electric or water bill for eligible applicants

--Resource assistance through the Hope program for eligible applicants looking for rental support.

-Port St. Joe Summer Camp

--Connection to Food Pantry Access in partnership with Second Harvest:

First Tuesday of the Month: Last Names A-I, Fourth Tuesday of the month, Last Names J-Z. This is a drive-thru style food pantry, from 1:00-3:00 pm. You will see a sign. If this is your first time, it's okay to get in the line. You'll be asked to fill out a form. Participants must meet income requirements, but ID and proof of income are not required.

This team supports residents with the goal to ensure safe housing.

While they primarily help with safe housing needs, they do help provide or link to other emergency services. Reach out just in case they can help you locate what you need. They have a locally available case manager.

The work to pursues resources (money, materials, & muscle) and coordinate with partners, service providers, and volunteers to fulfill housing needs.

Examples include:

Roofing repair and replacement

Minor structural repair and connecting with resources for major structural and interior repair.

Construction and repair for safe access to homes such as, ramps, porches, railings, etc.

Property clean-up of storm related debris and preparation for housing

Assisting with replacement of permanent housing

Referral and advocacy for resources for food, health services, furniture, appliances, household goods, clothing, utilities, transportation services, etc.

DCF also provides the MyACCESS Program for individuals and families, which includes:

-Public Assistance related to eligibility for food (SNAP), SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.   (For faxing to Public Assistance Programs, use 850-747-5346.)

-Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): The Temporary Cash Assistance program provides financial assistance to pregnant women in their third trimester and families with dependent children to assist in the temporary payment of rent, utilities, and other household expenses.

-Medicaid: The Medicaid Program provides medical assistance to individuals and families in need to cover or assist in the cost of medically necessary services.

If you can't find the resource already on the gulffranklin.com resource guide, Hope Florida may have an additional service worth looking into.

Hope Navigators are here to help. When you call 833-438-4673 you’ll be connected to a caring Hope Navigator, ready to guide you on an individualized pathway to achieve prosperity, economic self-sufficiency and hope. For new or single parents striving to balance work and family responsibilities, a Hope Navigator can connect you to affordable childcare options, valuable mentorship programs, and tailored employment opportunities that support you as you provide for your family.

The Community Resource Center (CRC) is an access point to resources and referrals to providers that assist with direct client services. Call or walk in for a Coordinated Entry housing needs assessment. Located at the A.D Harris Learning Center on East 11th street Mondays and Wednesdays 9am-1pm. This organization works closely with the Citizens of Gulf County Long Term Recovery, so it is possible that you might get referred to either entity for assistance.

Doorways of Northwest Florida (NWFL) is a non-profit organization that helps people in Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington counties find housing and other resources. 

Services 

• Housing assistance
• Doorways NWFL helps people experiencing homelessness, those at risk of homelessness, and those earning less than 50% of the annual median income.
• Case management
• Doorways NWFL provides case management services.
• Rental and utility assistance
• Doorways NWFL helps people pay for rental and utility deposits, past due rent and utilities, and more.
• Referrals
• Doorways NWFL provides referrals for employment assistance, medical and mental health, medical insurance, and COVID-19 testing and vaccine resources.

Location 

• Doorways NWFL is located at PO Box 549, Panama City, FL 32402.
• Their phone number is (850) 215-8800.
• Their email address is [email protected].

We are the boots on the ground to help people in crisis when they have trouble making ends meet while assisting those in poverty who want to become independent of government assistance.

Capital Area is ready to assist those eligible families who need help paying their electric bills or finding stable housing. The Agency can help eligible clients weatherize their homes so residents can better afford food or medicine.

The Getting Ahead program works with individuals and families to help work out of poverty. The Agency’s curriculum assists clients in better understanding the causes of poverty, setting life goals and providing support to help them work out of poverty to a life that is thriving.

We are the boots on the ground to help people in crisis when they have trouble making ends meet while assisting those in poverty who want to become independent of government assistance.

Capital Area is ready to assist those eligible families who need help paying their electric bills or finding stable housing. The Agency can help eligible clients weatherize their homes so residents can better afford food or medicine.

For young children from low-income families, Head Start is an incredible preschool program to get students ready for kindergarten. Head Start offers free medical care to kids. Family Advocates work with the parents to help them achieve more financial independence.

The Getting Ahead program works with individuals and families to help work out of poverty. The Agency’s curriculum assists clients in better understanding the causes of poverty, setting life goals and providing support to help them work out of poverty to a life that is thriving.

Main Phone: 407-801-4350 and Fax: 407-505-7327

Toll-free Eviction Prevention Line: (888) 780-0443

Domestic Violence Legal Helpline: (850) 385-0611 (funded by the Florida Department of Children and Families)

Florida Legal Services is a statewide leader in advancing economic, social, and racial justice. We advocate for poor, vulnerable, and hard to reach people through impact litigation, legislative and administrative advocacy, education, and strategic partnerships.

Career Sources offers many services, including:

-Location services as a MyACCESS site with public computer to apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid and temporary cash.

-Get access to job training opportunities, job application support and more.

-Resource assistance through the Hope program for eligible applicants looking for rental support.

The mission is to provide emergency assistance to our members who cannot afford to pay their utility bills.

The program assists the elderly, the disabled, the low-income, the sick, the military, and others who are experiencing financial hardships.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a time of uncertainty, we offer programs and resources to help get you back on your feet.

This is an opportunity for eligible participants to get internet at a discount through the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Their mission is to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low income families, elderly, and persons with disabilities.

What are housing choice vouchers?

The housing choice voucher program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments.

The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and is not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects.

Housing choice vouchers are administered locally by public housing agencies (PHAs). The PHAs receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program.

A family that is issued a housing voucher is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of the family's choice where the owner agrees to rent under the program. This unit may include the family's present residence. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by the PHA.

A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by the PHA on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program. Under certain circumstances, if authorized by the PHA, a family may use its voucher to purchase a modest home.

Affordable housing community in Apalachicola offers families spacious 1-3 bedroom apartments.

Heritage Villas Of Apalachicola is a residential community featuring one, two, and three bedroom apartments in Apalachicola, FL.

Southern Villas Of Apalachicola is a residential community featuring one, two, and three bedroom apartments in Apalachicola, FL.

A residential community featuring one, two, and three bedroom apartments in Eastpoint, FL.

Manage properties in Carrabelle and Wewahitchka

The mission of the Northwest Florida Regional Housing Authority is to promote adequate and affordable housing, economic opportunity and a suitable living environment free from discrimination.

Northwest Florida Regional Housing Authority | Public Housing & Section 8 Properties for Rent (nwfloridahousing.org)

What are housing choice vouchers?

The housing choice voucher program is the federal government's major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments.

The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and is not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects.

Housing choice vouchers are administered locally by public housing agencies (PHAs). The PHAs receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the voucher program.

A family that is issued a housing voucher is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of the family's choice where the owner agrees to rent under the program. This unit may include the family's present residence. Rental units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by the PHA.

A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by the PHA on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program. Under certain circumstances, if authorized by the PHA, a family may use its voucher to purchase a modest home.

Office hours are Thursdays, 9-5 pm office hours. Liberty Manor provides rental apartments to people age 62 and older, as well as individuals with disabilities at any age. They do not have a website, but you can call the Manager for more information.

Office Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8-4.

Business hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 8-3 pm.