The Strengthen Mississippi Homes Program (SMH) is a grant program administered by the Mississippi Insurance Department (MID) that helps eligible homeowners make wind and hail mitigation upgrades by retrofitting their homes to the FORTIFIED™ Home™ Roof standard.
The FORTIFIED™ Home program, developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), is based on scientific research and full-scale storm testing to help homes withstand severe weather. Fortified Inspections documented how FORTIFIED™ homes held up during Hurricane Sally.
Because funding, grant rounds, and eligibility requirements can change, homeowners should rely on the current information published by MID before taking the next step. Participation, funding, and enrollment are not guaranteed.
Current Strengthen Mississippi Homes Program Status (July 2026)
As of July 2026, MID is accepting SMH Interest Forms from Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association (MWUA), or Wind Pool, policyholders in Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson counties.
To be eligible to apply for an SMH grant, homeowners must currently be insured through the Wind Pool and must have maintained Wind Pool insurance for the previous three consecutive policy years.
After an Interest Form is submitted, MID verifies the information and notifies selected homeowners about the next steps. Homeowners should not call the department unless asked to do so.
The program is expected to open periodically throughout the year, with future grant-round dates announced in advance. Homeowners outside the current MWUA group should monitor the official SMH page for future opportunities.
Who Should Check Mississippi Roof Grant Eligibility?
The current phase is limited to MWUA policyholders in Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson counties. When grants are being awarded, MID says applicants generally must meet the following requirements:
- Own and occupy the home as a primary residence.
- Own a single-family home in good repair.
- Provide proof of an active homeowners insurance policy and maintain wind insurance through completion of the mitigation work.
- Maintain flood insurance if the home is located in a special flood hazard area.
- Obtain and pay for a Home Evaluation from a certified FORTIFIED™ Evaluator approved by the SMH program.
Townhomes, rental properties, condominiums, and mobile homes are not eligible for SMH grants. For homes in the six coastal counties, the MID FAQ also requires the home to be in a jurisdiction that has adopted and actively enforces a qualifying building code. Homeowners should confirm their current eligibility through MID’s SMH requirements before applying.
What the Grant and FORTIFIED™ Process Cover
For eligible homeowners, the Strengthen Mississippi Homes grant covers up to $10,000 in roof-upgrade costs and is paid directly to the contractor after the project is complete and required paperwork, including the FORTIFIED™ certificate from IBHS, has been submitted. The evaluator fee is not included in grant funding.
The total project cost may exceed the grant award, and the homeowner is responsible for the difference. Homeowners should also wait for a grant award before beginning work they expect the program to cover.
The process generally follows this sequence:
- Submit an SMH Interest Form.
- If selected, follow MID instructions for the grant process, evaluator, and contractor selection.
- Complete the FORTIFIED™ evaluation and required construction documentation.
- IBHS reviews the completed documentation and issues a FORTIFIED™ designation if the home meets the standard.
- MID pays the approved grant amount to the contractor after project completion and required closeout documentation.
A FORTIFIED™ designation is valid for five years. Homeowners can then pursue a redesignation inspection to maintain the designation, provided the home continues to meet applicable requirements. Fortified Inspections explains what to expect when renewing a FORTIFIED™ certificate.
The Evaluator’s Role
A certified FORTIFIED™ evaluator is an independent third party who documents and verifies the construction process. Evaluators inspect and gather details before, during, and after the project so IBHS can determine whether the home meets the FORTIFIED™ standard.
Once IBHS verifies that the work meets program requirements, it issues the FORTIFIED™ designation certificate. Evaluators set their own fees, and selected homeowners are responsible for those costs.
Grant applications and selection are handled by MID. Fortified Inspections can answer questions about the FORTIFIED™ evaluation process and help homeowners understand what to expect once they become eligible.
What to Do Next
If you are a qualifying MWUA policyholder in Hancock, Harrison, or Jackson County, review the SMH FAQs and submit an Interest Form through the Mississippi Insurance Department. If you are outside the current group, monitor the official program page for future grant-round announcements.
If you have questions about the FORTIFIED™ evaluation process, required documentation, or what happens after selection, contact Fortified Inspections. Understanding the process now can help you prepare for a future funding opportunity.