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The city of Cape Coral is working with Rebuilding Together Greater Florida to provide no-cost home repairs for income-eligible homeowners.
"The city is providing funding to this partner agency to provide repairs to income qualified homeowners. This funding comes from the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program, which is a grant the City receives annually from the State of Florida. This partnership was approved by City Council by Resolution 335-25 in December of 2025," City Planning Manager Amy Yearsley said via email.
Services provided may include essential repairs, accessibility upgrades, roofing, plumbing, and electrical work, and support for disaster readiness and recovery. Applicants must own and live in their home, meet income requirements and be current on their mortgage and property taxes to qualify.
To apply, visit RTGFL.org, or call (239) 229-6392.
The SHIP program was created in 1992 as part of the William E. Sadowski Affordable Housing Act.
"It establishes a dedicated funding source, primarily through the Sadowski Trust Fund, to help local governments across Florida create partnerships that produce and preserve affordable housing for very-low, low, and moderate-income households," she said. "Funds are distributed on an entitlement basis to all 67 counties and a number of eligible cities, including Cape Coral. The city of Cape Coral has been a recipient of SHIP funds since the program's inception in 1992."
SHIP dollars are specifically targeted at activities such as home repairs/rehabilitation, down payment assistance, new construction, and preservation of affordable units - with a strong emphasis on homeownership.
"At least 65% of the funds must generally be used for homeownership activities. This particular use for no-cost repairs to income-qualified homeowners aligns directly with the program's goals of improving existing housing stock for those who might otherwise be unable to afford necessary maintenance or upgrades," she said. "The funding is 100% from the annual SHIP grant allocation the city receives from the state. These are state resources specifically appropriated for affordable housing initiatives like this one."