Roof Retrofitting Program by East S. Tammany Habitat for Humanity

East S. Tammany Habitat for Humanity is thrilled to collaborate with Strengthen Alabama Homes to offer residents

in St. Tammany and surrounding areas the opportunity to apply for a new FORTIFIED Roof™.

ROOF REPLACEMENT

What is the FORTIFIED Roof™ Program?

East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity is excited to offer wind mitigation services for existing, owner-occupied, single-family homes. This program is funded by the insurance industry and ensures that your home receives a FORTIFIED Roof™, meeting rigorous standards. For more information on FORTIFIED Roofs, visit www.fortifiedhome.org.

What are the benefits of having a FORTIFIED Roof™?

A FORTIFIED Roof™ can potentially lower the wind insurance portion of your homeowner’s policy. Homes with a FORTIFIED Roof™ may sell for up to 7% more than those without it.

Am I eligible for up to $15,000 grant?

Please read the following eligibility requirements carefully before requesting an application:

Location

Home must be located within East St. Tammany Parish.

Structure

Home must have a permanent foundation (mobile and manufactured homes are not eligible).
Townhomes, duplexes, and condos are not eligible.
The home must be structurally sound and in good condition.
Habitat for Humanity can only complete roof replacement and cannot repair fascia, soffit, siding, or other parts of the home. You will need to arrange for repairs to other areas of the house.

Ownership

The applicant’s name must appear on the deed of the home.
A copy of the deed is required (available at your local courthouse or online for a small fee).
You must be the primary resident of the home.
You can have a mortgage, as long as your name is on the deed.

Insurance (Required)

Your home must be covered by a current homeowner’s insurance policy, including wind coverage.
If your home is in a flood zone, flood insurance is required.
If you have a recent or open homeowner’s insurance claim, Habitat will need more information to determine eligibility.
You cannot receive both an insurance settlement for roof damage and grant funds for a roof replacement. However, you can pursue both options and choose the best one for you.

Income

The gross household income (before taxes) must not exceed the program’s maximum limit (see the income chart for 2025).
Documentation of all household income is required, including tax returns, pay stubs, or benefit letters for Social Security, retirement, VA benefits, etc.

How much does it cost?

Habitat for Humanity does not charge an application fee.
If approved, you may need to pay the following before work begins:
- A $600 fee for outside inspections to certify the new roof meets FORTIFIED standards.
- Any costs exceeding the grant for roof replacement. The cost depends on the size and condition of your roof.

Habitat typically obtains three bids from qualified contractors and selects the lowest one. The size, slope, and condition of your roof, as well as any necessary decking replacements, may result in additional costs beyond the grant amount.

If the total exceeds the grant amount, Habitat does not provide financing for the overage. However, there may be a local credit union that may offer low-interest loans to cover additional costs.

If you are unable to pay the $600 inspection fee plus any overage, you can decline to proceed and request to withdraw your application.

How do I apply?

1. Click the button below to request the application packet.

2. Complete all required forms and have necessary sections.

3. Be patient! Processing your application, conducting inspections, obtaining quotes, and receiving final approval may take several months.

Please note that approval depends on available funding, the outcome of the home inspection, and other factors.