SARASOTA COUNTY — Sarasota County is accepting applications for the Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and New Construction for Homeownership (ARCH) Program, a funding opportunity designed to expand the availability of safe and affordable housing in unincorporated Sarasota County.

Applications opened on Monday, June 22 at 12 p.m. and will close on Monday, Aug. 3 at 5 p.m. Public, private, and nonprofit developers are eligible to apply. Applications are available at HEROSRQ.net/arch.

Up to $1.35 million in State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) funding is available to support the acquisition, rehabilitation, and construction of affordable single-family homes to be sold to eligible buyers. Homes must be sold to very low- and low-income households earning up to 80% of Sarasota County's Area Median Income.

"Affordable opportunities for homeownership are critical for our community," said Lisa Tourtchenko, Housing and Community Development Program Manager. "Through the ARCH Program, our goal is to turn this funding into real housing opportunities for Sarasota County residents."

After the homes are built, up to $75,000 in SHIP Purchase Assistance for down payment and closing costs will be available to first-time homebuyers who meet the income requirements. Prospective buyers can sign up to be notified when the program is accepting applications at HEROSRQ.net/sign-up.

ARCH Program applications will be evaluated using scoring criteria aligned with the Sarasota County- and state-approved Local Housing Assistance Plan. More information can be found in the Notice of Funding Availability.

For more information, visit HEROSRQ.net/arch or call 941-861-5000 or 311.