$10,000 Grants for MS Homeowners

Strengthen Mississippi Homes Program (SMH)

Fortified Inspections assists Mississippi homeowners with the evaluation portion of the Strengthen Mississippi Homes Program, from the initial qualifying inspection through documentation and issuance of the IBHS FORTIFIED™ Certificate.

What is SMH?

Strengthen Mississippi Homes is a Mississippi Insurance Department grant program for homeowners who make qualifying wind- and hail-mitigation upgrades to the FORTIFIED™ Roof standard. The program is designed to make homes more resilient to severe weather while supporting lower insurance costs where applicable.

Eligibility Requirements for Mississippi Homeowners

To be eligible for the Strengthen Mississippi Homes Program (SMH), homeowners must

Applicant requirements

  • You own and live in a single-family home as your primary residence.
  • Your home is in Hancock, Harrison, or Jackson County and you are currently insured through MWUA.
  • You have held your MWUA policy for three consecutive policy years.
  • Your home is in good repair and you can provide active homeowners, wind, and—when required—flood insurance documentation.

Ineligible property types

Condos, townhomes, rental properties, and mobile homes do not qualify for the SMH grant program.

If you live outside the current 2026 area or are not an MWUA policyholder, follow the official SMH updates for the next program phase.

How the Mississippi Roof Grant Process Works

FORTIFIED™ Roof is an IBHS standard for strengthening the roof system against wind-driven rain, high winds, and hail. The exact work depends on the home and project, but the process generally requires a qualified roofer, documentation during the work, and an independent evaluation. SMH grants can provide up to $10,000 toward the roof upgrade. The independent evaluator’s fee is separate from grant funding.

Interest and selection

Submit the state’s required interest form when your program group is open; MID verifies and contacts selected homeowners.

Evaluation and planning

An independent FORTIFIED™ evaluator documents the project requirements and coordinates with the homeowner, roofer, and IBHS process.

Roof work and documentation

The contractor completes the qualified work while required installation details are documented.

Designation and grant payment

Once IBHS issues the FORTIFIED™ designation and required paperwork is complete, the grant payment is made directly to the contractor.

Talk to an expert today

Our certified FORTIFIED™ evaluators can answer your questions and help you understand the next steps for the Strengthen Mississippi Homes Program.

Benefits of Upgrading to a FORTIFIED™ Roof

Upgrading your roof through the Strengthen Mississippi Homes Program helps protect your home from severe weather common in Mississippi, including strong winds and hail. The IBHS FORTIFIED™ Roof standard uses enhanced installation methods designed to make roofs more resilient during storms.

Increased protection against wind and hail

FORTIFIED™ Roof construction strengthens vulnerable parts of the roof system. Improvements like sealed roof decks and stronger fastening methods help the roof better resist wind uplift and hail damage.

Reduced risk of costly storm damage

When a roof fails during a storm, water can quickly enter the home and cause extensive damage. FORTIFIED™ construction methods help keep the roof system intact and reduce the risk of interior damage.

Potential insurance savings

Some insurance companies offer discounts for homes with an IBHS FORTIFIED™ designation, which may help lower long-term insurance costs.

Greater peace of mind during severe weather

A FORTIFIED™ Roof is built to higher standards than typical roofing systems, helping homeowners feel more confident when severe weather approaches.

How Fortified Inspections Helps Mississippi Homeowners

FORTIFIED™ evaluators serve as independent third parties in the designation process. Fortified Inspections can help homeowners understand the evaluation stage and prepare for a FORTIFIED™ roof project. Selection for SMH funding and the program’s evaluator process are determined by MID, not by Fortified Inspections. FORTIFIED™ evaluators serve as independent third parties in the designation process. Fortified Inspections can help homeowners understand the evaluation stage and prepare for a FORTIFIED™ roof project. Selection for SMH funding and the program’s evaluator process are determined by MID, not by Fortified Inspections.

4 members of fortified inspections team

Certifications Completed

Satisfied Clients

Contact us today

If you are a Mississippi homeowner interested in strengthening your roof and learning more about the Mississippi FORTIFIED™ roof program, contact Fortified Inspections today to get started.

Our Awards

IBHS Award Winning recipients six years in a row

2023 fortified volume award crown
2023 fortified volume award crown
2023 fortified volume award crown
2023 fortified volume award crown
2023 fortified volume award crown
2023 fortified volume award crown

FORTIFIED™ Roof Evaluation and Certification Pricing

Start with a qualifying inspection. From there, we assist with documentation, grant process support, and the full FORTIFIED™ certification workflow through final certificate issuance.

Inspection | $200

Qualifying inspection confirms eligibility and explains the next steps before construction. 100% refundable if you do not qualify.

Documentation and Certificate | $350

Once your project is approved and a contractor is selected, we coordinate the required documentation and guide the certification process through completion.

Fortified Inspections is your trusted FORTIFIED™ evaluator in Mississippi

Serving homeowners across Mississippi.

Eligibility Form

Fill out the homeowner survey form below and we’ll contact you to discuss your eligibility for the Mississippi FORTIFIED™ roof grant program.