Strengthen Alabama Homes Grant Program
What is the Strengthen Alabama Homes program (SAH)?
Strengthen Alabama Homes is a program of the Alabama Department of Insurance. SAH provides grants to residents of certain counties in Alabama (check the grant award schedule on the website) for residential wind mitigation on existing, owner-occupied, single-family homes. No rentals, no townhomes, no condominiums, or mobile homes. Homes cannot be listed for sale during this process. Funding for this program comes from the insurance industry in Alabama and is not funded from the state's general budget, nor is it tied to a federally funded program.
What is FORTIFIED?
FORTIFIED is the mitigation standard adopted by the Strengthen Alabama Homes program is known as the FORTIFIED Home program. It was developed by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). To receive this grant, you must reach the IBHS FORTIFIED® Roof standard. Learn more about FORTIFIED™ by visiting fortifiedhome.org
What should I know?
Applicants should understand the following before applying:
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Grants will pay 100% of the cost of mitigation up to $10,000
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The grant award amount MAY NOT cover the entire cost of the work needed
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Work completed must meet the FORTIFIED™ Roof
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Homeowners must pay a fee for the FORTIFIED™ Evaluation
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The grant award amount will not be visible until all three bids are received
What is a FORTIFIED Evaluation?
A FORTIFIED evaluation is a required step in the FORTIFIED process and provides homeowners and contractors an understanding of the work needed to mitigate a home. A certified FORTIFIED Evaluator™ will perform an initial review of the current condition of the home and provide documentation of the steps needed to reach the FORTIFIED Roof level. As mitigation continues, the Evaluator will work with your chosen contractor to document all the work and submit the home for certification.
Grant Amount:
If there are any costs above the grant award amount of $10,000, these will be the responsibility of the homeowner. Contracts for all mitigation work will be between the contractor and the homeowner. When the mitigation work is completed and you receive an IBHS FORTIFIED designation (a certificate), we will issue payment up to the grant amount stated in your award letter directly to the Contractor.
What are the benefits?
Homes with a FORTIFIED Designation in Alabama receive discounts on the wind portion of their homeowner's insurance premium. Additionally, a new study from the University of Alabama shows that FORTIFIED™ homes sell for nearly 7% more than non-FORTIFIED homes. Contact your insurance agent for discount details. Once your project is complete, SAH will ensure you are receiving the appropriate insurance discount.
What are the costs?
FORTIFIED Evaluators charge a fee for their service that is the responsibility of the owner. These fees vary by evaluator, so inquire about the fee amount prior to selecting the professional you will work with. The homeowner is responsible for any costs over the $10,000 to be worked out between the homeowner and the contractor. The process cannot be delayed to come up with overages.
How do I apply?
The first step is to create a profile, complete the questions and submit the application then go back and upload the required documentation: income verification, insurance declaration pages and the vendor disclosure form. After the documents are uploaded and reviewed you will be notified to choose an evaluator.
Apply:
Click here: Begin your Application to start the application process. You will then be prompted to begin your grant application.
What makes FORTIFIED™ your best option in home protection?
FORTIFIED™ is a building method designed to improve and strengthen new and existing homes based on 20 years of testing and field research by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). Get a FORTIFIED™ Roof to save money on insurance premiums and gain the peace of mind that comes with a stronger home.
