The Mississippi Insurance Department (MID) will begin offering grants to help homeowners along the Gulf Coast install storm-resistant roofs through the new Strengthen Mississippi Homes Program.

The program, authorized under Senate Bill 2409, supports upgrades to the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof standard and is intended to improve homes’ resilience against high winds, heavy rain, and severe weather. The law takes effect July 1 and allows MID to administer the program in partnership with other agencies.

The Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association is providing $2 million for the initial phase, with eligible homeowners able to receive grants of up to $10,000. During the initial rollout, applicants must own a primary, single-family residence insured through the wind pool for at least three consecutive policy years.

MID said the program is expected to expand statewide in early 2027, allowing homeowners outside the wind pool to apply. The department is establishing the program’s administrative systems and advisory board, with long-term funding coming from insurer assessments rather than taxpayer dollars.

Separately, House Bill 1911 authorized up to $15 million in statewide funding for the grant program, but a drafting error referencing the wrong Senate bill means MID cannot access those funds until the Mississippi Legislature reconvenes to correct the issue, which is expected in early 2027.