Strengthen Alabama Homes

What is the Strengthen Alabama Homes Program (SAH)?

The Strengthen Alabama Homes program provides grants to Alabama residents for residential wind mitigation on existing, owner-occupied, single-family homes. Funding for the Strengthen Alabama Homes 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 wind mitigation?

Wind mitigation consists of construction methods that strengthen a home against severe storms, high winds, and wind-driven rain. Through the Strengthen Alabama Homes program, mitigation reduces the risk of storm damage and provides Alabama homeowners with discounts on their wind insurance premium and deductible.

What is FORTIFIED?

The mitigation standard adopted by the Strengthen Alabama Homes program is known as the FORTIFIED Home™ program, developed by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). To receive a Strengthen Alabama Homes grant, your home must reach the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof or Silver standard.

What should I know before applying for a Strengthen Alabama Homes grant?

Applicants should understand the following before applying to the Strengthen Alabama Homes program:

• Strengthen Alabama Homes grants will pay 100% of the cost of mitigation up to $10,000
• The grant award amount may not cover the entire cost of the work needed
• Work completed must meet the FORTIFIED™ Roof or Silver standard
• Homeowners must pay a small fee for the FORTIFIED™ Evaluation
• The grant award amount will not be visible until all three contractor bids are received. The maximum Strengthen Alabama Homes grant award will not exceed $10,000.

Do I qualify for a Strengthen Alabama Homes grant?

• The Strengthen Alabama Homes program is not income-based. You qualify for 100% of the grant* regardless of income.
• Residents who claim their primary residence in counties where Strengthen Alabama Homes grants are being awarded may apply. Condominiums and mobile homes are not eligible.
• Your home must be in good repair.
• You must provide proof of an in-force homeowners insurance policy before the grant will be paid.
• You must provide proof of an in-force wind insurance policy before the grant will be paid.
• You must have flood insurance if your home is located in a special flood hazard area. This policy can be from the National Flood Insurance Plan or a private insurance carrier.
• You must obtain a home evaluation from a Certified FORTIFIED™ Evaluator approved by the Strengthen Alabama Homes program. You will have the opportunity to select your Evaluator after completing the grant application.
  *The Strengthen Alabama Homes grant covers 100% of the cost of mitigation up to $10,000. The applicant is responsible for all mitigation costs exceeding $10,000. All grant funds must be applied to a mitigation project that completes a FORTIFIED™ designation.

How do I apply for a Strengthen Alabama Homes grant?

The first step is to create a profile, complete the 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. Choose Knockout!

What documents do I need to apply for Strengthen Alabama Homes?

Insurance Documents

• Property insurance coverage.
• Coverage against damage from wind. This may be included with your property insurance or may be a separate policy.
• If applicable, proof of flood insurance on the property to be mitigated. You may review the FEMA FIRM maps to determine if flood insurance is required. Please visit https://www.fema.gov/ to learn more about flood insurance and whether your property is located in a floodplain.

Income Verification

Please upload a copy of your IRS Form 1040 only. Do not send supporting documents such as W-2s, Schedule A, etc.

Tax Return Form 1040 — All pages of the form are required, including your signature page and social security number.

Additional Documentation

Power of Attorney — If you hold Power of Attorney (POA) for a Strengthen Alabama Homes applicant, we must have a copy of the POA on file before any staff member will discuss grant details on behalf of the applicant.

What is a FORTIFIED™ Evaluation?

A FORTIFIED evaluation is a required step in the Strengthen Alabama Homes grant process. It provides homeowners and contractors with a clear understanding of the work needed to mitigate a home. A certified FORTIFIED Evaluator will perform an initial review of your home’s current condition and document the steps needed to reach either the FORTIFIED™ Roof or Silver level. As mitigation progresses, the Evaluator will work with your contractor to document all work and submit the home for certification. The homeowner is responsible for paying the evaluation fee directly to the evaluator. Strengthen Alabama Homes grants do not cover the cost of the evaluation.

Choosing a Contractor for Your Strengthen Alabama Homes Project

Once your home passes the FORTIFIED evaluation, you will select three contractors from the list of SAH-qualified and trained contractors to provide bids for the work needed on your home. Once all three bids are submitted, you will receive your Strengthen Alabama Homes grant award letter. Mitigation work cannot begin until you have received your grant award letter from the SAH program.

How much is the Strengthen Alabama Homes grant award?

Your Strengthen Alabama Homes application will be evaluated provided funds are available and your home is eligible for mitigation. Any costs above the grant award amount are the responsibility of the homeowner. All mitigation contracts are between the contractor and the homeowner. Once mitigation is complete and your home receives an IBHS FORTIFIED™ designation, the Strengthen Alabama Homes program will issue payment up to the grant amount directly to your contractor. Grant funds are not issued to the homeowner.

What does the Strengthen Alabama Homes process cost?

FORTIFIED™ Evaluators charge a small fee for their services, which varies by evaluator. Knockout Inspections is proud to offer some of the most affordable evaluation prices in South Alabama. While a small evaluation fee is required, the Strengthen Alabama Homes program is not a reimbursement program — you are not required to pay for mitigation work upfront.

What are the benefits of the Strengthen Alabama Homes program?

Homes with a FORTIFIED™ designation in Alabama receive discounts on the wind portion of their homeowners insurance premium. Additionally, a University of Alabama study found that FORTIFIED™ homes sell for nearly 7% more than non-FORTIFIED™ homes. Contact your insurance agent for discount details. Once your Strengthen Alabama Homes project is complete, SAH will confirm you are receiving the appropriate insurance discount.

Shop Your Insurance!

Whether you apply for a Strengthen Alabama Homes grant or not, we encourage you to shop for homeowners insurance to ensure you have the coverage that is best for you and your family.

Learn More About Strengthen Alabama Homes

Please contact SAH if you have questions about wind mitigation opportunities in Alabama. If you have questions about the FORTIFIED process or designation, please contact Knockout.

Ready to Apply for a Strengthen Alabama Homes Grant?

Click the Begin Your Application button below to start the Strengthen Alabama Homes application process.