MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Each year, Manatee County pays for the rehabilitation of dozens of homes in unincorporated parts of the county and Palmetto.

It’s part of the county’s State Housing Initiative Program (SHIP).

But this year, those who were affected by last year’s hurricanes will receive priority when determining who gets part of the $1.2 million in funds.

“So, we address health and safety issues first, and then all code-related (issues). And then, we do the hurricane mitigation. So, we do windows, roofs, doors, any kind of additional strapping, trimming of trees — anything that would help mitigate a storm so people could safely shelter in place,” said Housing and Community Development Coordinator Deborah Ash.

Resident Patricia Hart was a past recipient of the SHIP program and she said it helped her a lot.

“I feel it was a blessing from God, I really do,” she said.

Hart says this blessing could last her lifetime.

“It happened at the best time—before the storm. It’s such a blessing. This doesn’t come around that often. For me, this is so special,” she said.

Hart lived in her home for 22 years, but it was in need of some repairs. Help came from Manatee County’s State Housing Initiative Program. It’s for low- to very low-income residents in Palmetto and unincorporated Manatee County who need housing rehabilitation and replacement help.

“They just did a wonderful job in here. Painted it. Did the floors. And the AC wasn’t coming through in here, and they patched it up. So now it’s cool in this room too. They redid my bathroom — the tile in there,” Hart said.

She applied in 2023 and was approved. Over the course of nine months, everything on her list was completed and all finalized before Hurricane Debby impacted the area.

“I didn’t have hurricane-proof doors,” she said.

Now that she does, she says she feels safer in her home during a hurricane.

“I stayed in here like a champ. I’m covered by the grace of God,” Hart said.

But trying to cover the costs of her improvements — like a new driveway, fresh paint, and a new roof — just wasn’t in her budget.

“I wasn’t making the money to do the repairs, so this was a big help to me, you know,” she said.

Hart says the county’s help will protect her home for years to come.

The deadline to apply for the SHIP program is April 7 at 5 p.m.