Duval Times

The City of Jacksonville is launching a new program aimed at helping homeowners in need of roof repairs. The Home Roof Rehabilitation Program will provide financial assistance to eligible individuals and families to fund the replacement of their home's roof.

"I'm excited to officially launch the first of our task force programs with many more to come in the months ahead," said Mayor Donna Deegan. "The home roof rehabilitation program will help keep a roof over people's heads and it's a crucial next step towards preserving generational wealth in Jacksonville's underserved neighborhoods."

The program has received unanimous support from the City Council, including City Council President Ron Salem. "We know there is a critical need in this area from constituent engagement and through the work of our special committees," said Salem.

The City's Housing and Community Development Division, with its successful track record in managing rehabilitation programs, will oversee the Home Roof Rehabilitation Program. "We look forward to demonstrating the community need and our department's ability to efficiently and effectively provide this much-needed service," said Housing and Community Development Chief Travis Jeffrey.

The program aims to address the twin crises of affordable housing and property insurance in Jacksonville. "This is just the start of efforts to provide immediate relief to our citizens while we work to implement long-term solutions that keep people in their homes and grow the attainable housing inventory," said Affordable Housing Director Joshua Hicks.

To be eligible for the program, applicants must be the owner and occupant of the property to be rehabilitated. They must also be current on their mortgage and property taxes. Proof of insurance letter or an insurance company roof exclusion notice demanding roof replacement or repairs must also be provided.

Applicants must have a gross annual household income at or below eighty percent (80%) of the area median income (AMI) for Jacksonville, adjusted for household size. The program is open to owner-occupied, single-family homes (one to four units), and manufactured modular homes. Mobile homes are not eligible.

The program will provide financial assistance in the form of a deferred payment loan, at zero (0%) interest, for a term up to five (5) years. No monthly payments will be due, and the loan balance will decrease on a pro-rated basis annually for the mortgage term if the property remains the applicant's primary residence.

Applications for the Home Roof Rehabilitation Program are available starting on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 9 AM. Interested individuals can apply by phone or through the MyJax portal. The program will be closed once the maximum number of applications are received.

"The City of Jacksonville is acting on the twin crises of affordable housing and property insurance," said Mayor Donna Deegan. "This program is just the start of efforts to provide immediate relief to our citizens while we work to implement long-term solutions that keep people in their homes and grow the attainable housing inventory."

For more information and to apply, individuals can visit the MyJax portal or call (904) 255-CITY (2489) and ask for the Home Roof program.

***1/16/23 UPDATE: Due to overwhelming community response and limited funding, the waiting list for the Home Roof Rehabilitation pilot program has reached the maximum number of applications and is currently closed. As we work to identify and open additional funding sources, applications will be reopened at a future date. We will continue to notify the public about those opportunities.***