After the incident, center staff realized that other low-income homeowners also needed help making repairs. The program serves homeowners over the age of 60. Since the program's inception 15 years ago, SHIP has made more than 5,500 repairs for elderly homeowners. The center completed repairs on 1,200 homes in Tampa and Hillsborough counties in 1999. The application and approval for repair process is very simple.
Residents call the center to request repairs.
During this call, basic demographic information is taken and a staff member completes an initial repair assessment. Most residents discover the service by word of mouth, or they notice the service vehicle, which is painted with information about the program, at a neighbor's house. Government agencies, such as Protective Services or the Building Inspections Department, also make referrals. Repairs Repairs vary from replacing a faucet washer to repairing or replacing a roof. There is no limit to what may be spent on each repair.