SHIP Program

The State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program provides funds for the following programs:

Location: Osceola County Human Services, 1392 E. Vine Street, Kissimmee, FL 34744
Hours: Mon-Fri from 8 AM to 5 PM except holidays

Loan Terms

SHIP program assistance is offered either in the form of a grant or in the form of a deferred payment loan. Each program has different grant and/or deferred payment loan terms. These terms can be found in the Local Housing Assistance Plan. (See Documents section below for LHAP.)

The definition of Deferred Payment Loan: Funds provided to a borrower under terms that calls for repayment to be delayed for a certain length of time, until certain circumstances change, or a certain threshold is met. In housing programs, deferred payment loans are often used as a recapture mechanism. In home ownership programs the loans often become due when the assisted family sells the home. Under rental programs the loans often become due if the affordability requirements are breached. In most housing programs these loans have an interest rate of zero percent; in some communities interest does accrue.

Income Guidelines

Income guidelines are revised annually. Some SHIP programs are limited to assisting those that qualify at 80% of area median income. Please check the individual program guidelines for income qualification rules.

Additional Resources

Annual Reports

The State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP) Annual Reports for the following fiscal years are available for review within the Human Services Department by request:

FY 12/13
FY 13/14
FY 14/15

Interested parties may visit the Human Services Office in person to review reports or request via email at housing@osceola.org.