The economy has impacted many families in Florida. As Florida's 89.1, WUFT-FM's Liana Charles reports, some Gainesville families may be able to receive help to stay in their homes.
For the first time, the state of Florida has awarded Gainesville $197,000 for affordable housing assistance. The State Housing Initiatives Partnership program, also known as SHIP, is an income-based eligibility program which helps extremely low to moderate income families buy houses.
Gainesville Housing and Community Development Supervisor Teresa Osoba says anyone who has an income is eligible for assistance.
"If a homeless person is homeless and they have income and they can qualify for any assistance or any program we have, then they are eligible," she said.
Osoba adds the program is open to the public and anyone in need can fill out an application beginning Nov. 14.