SHIP-Homebuyer Education & Counseling Grant

The SHIP-Homebuyer Education & Counseling program in Miami-Dade County offers funding for educational and counseling services aimed at prospective homebuyers. With a maximum request of $200,000, qualified HUD-approved agencies can apply to address important topics such as financing, fair housing practices, and foreclosure prevention. This initiative seeks to enhance homebuyer readiness and ensure equitable access to housing resources across the county.

NOTE: Proof of HUD approval must be provided at the time of application to be considered for funding.
Miami-Dade County, through the Department of Public Housing and Community Development (PHCD) is soliciting applications under this Request for Application (RFA) process to fund Homebuyer Education and Counseling activities with State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funds.
This RFA is seeking applications to address homebuyer education and counseling needs countywide, with funding amounts listed below.  The maximum amount that applicants may request is $200,000.  In the event that an applicant/entity has not spent prior year SHIP funds, PHCD reserves the right to lower funding recommendation to ensure that no entity has more than $200,000 at any time, to ensure funding availability to multiple entities.  The County’s obligation under this solicitation is contingent upon the availability and appropriation of annual funds.
Applicants that are qualified U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved counseling agencies, with a demonstrated ability to provide educational and counseling services to prospective homebuyers are encouraged to apply.
Education and Counseling services must include the following topics:
FinancingFair housing practicesCredit counselingBudget and money managementFinancial literacySelecting a neighborhood (schools, employment, transportation)How to find a homeNegotiating a purchase priceHome maintenanceMortgage approval processPost-closing education and counselingThe importance of the housing inspections and repairsForeclosure prevention counselingSpecial mortgage programs provided by private sector lenders and Miami-Dade County to assist first-time home buyers, persons with special needs, and those that will qualify by income