Purpose of Room Use
Get Help Applying for Affordable Housing Assistance at Your Local Library!
The State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program is bringing $2.9 million in funding to expand safe and affordable housing in Sarasota County. Eligible households can apply for 0% interest deferred loans (20-year term) or grants to support:
🏡 Home purchase assistance
🔧 Owner-occupied home rehabilitation
Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a homeowner in need of critical repairs or seeking housing that better meets your accessibility needs, our SHIP-funded programs may be able to help. Applications are accepted year-round online at HEROSRQ.net/SHIP.
Need help applying?
HERO staff will offer in-person assistance at the following libraries from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.:
📍 Jacaranda Library (Venice)
· Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025
· Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025
📍 Selby Library (Downtown Sarasota)
· Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025
· Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025
· Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025
Additional dates may be added as needed, and no appointments are necessary. This program is administered locally by the Sarasota County Housing Enhancement and Redevelopment Office (HERO), established in 2023 to oversee housing, community development and homelessness prevention programs.