Strengthen Alabama Homes Grant Program
Strengthen Alabama Homes (SAH) is a grant program that provides up to $10,000 to Alabama residents for residential wind mitigation on existing, owner-occupied, single-family homes. The grant is funded by the insurance industry in Alabama and is not tied to a federally funded program.
To qualify for the SAH grant, homeowners must:
- Own and occupy the home as their primary residence
- Have a home in good repair
- Provide proof of an in-force homeowners insurance policy
- Provide proof of an in-force wind insurance policy
- Have flood insurance if their home is in a special flood hazard area
- Get a home evaluation from a Certified FORTIFIED™ Evaluator
The SAH grant covers 100% of the cost of mitigation up to $10,000. If the cost of the mitigation work exceeds $10,000, the homeowner is responsible for the remaining cost.
To apply for the SAH grant, homeowners must create a profile, complete questions, and upload the required documentation: income verification and insurance declaration pages. The next step is to choose a FORTIFIED™ Evaluator to complete a home evaluation. Once the home passes the evaluation, applicants will choose three contractors from a list of SAH-qualified and trained contractors to provide bids for the specific work needed on their home. Once all three bids are submitted, applicants will receive the grant award letter. Contracts for all mitigation work will be between the contractor and the homeowner. When the mitigation work is completed on their home and they receive an IBHS FORTIFIED™ designation, SAH will issue payment up to the grant amount stated in their award letter directly to the contractor on their behalf.
The benefits of having a FORTIFIED™ home include discounts on the wind portion of homeowners insurance premiums and higher resale value.
Fortified Inspections is a FORTIFIED™ Evaluator and can help homeowners with the entire SAH grant process. We can perform the required FORTIFIED™ Evaluation and help homeowners develop a plan to upgrade their roof to the FORTIFIED™ Roof standard. We can also provide guidance on how to apply for the SAH grant.
If you are a homeowner in Alabama and are interested in learning more about the SAH grant or how to upgrade your roof to the FORTIFIED™ Roof standard, please contact Fortified Inspections today.