District 2 Resident Receives Lifechanging Home Repairs through County Assistance Program

For longtime District 2 resident Judi Tripp, maintaining the home she purchased in 1978 has been an ongoing struggle, with issues including wood rot, significant leaks, and mold creating stressful and unsafe living conditions in her home.

Now, Tripp is beginning a new chapter in her life through assistance from Escambia County, with additional help from her close friends and church family.

Tripp’s home is unrecognizable from just a few months ago, with several new walls, new windows, new flooring, a new roof, and her favorite part: a new front door, painted pink at her request.

The repairs were made possible through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership, or SHIP, Program, administered by the Escambia County Neighborhood and Human Services Department. Through the SHIP Program, which is designed to serve very low-, low- and moderate-income households, local governments like Escambia County receive funds to produce and preserve affordable homeownership and multifamily housing.

Tripp was joined by District 2 Commissioner Mike Kohler, Escambia County staff, and her good friend, Johnda Smith, on Tuesday, July 2 for a ribbon cutting celebrating her newly-renovated home, which she was excited to move into after the repairs were completed.

“It is incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact our county assistance programs can make in someone’s life, especially in situations like this that are truly life changing,” District 2 Commissioner Mike Kohler said. “Seeing the joy on Ms. Tripp’s face as she begins this exciting new chapter of her life in a safe, secure home of her own is priceless, and it is an honor for Escambia County to be a part of it. Thank you to our county staff, Ms. Tripp’s friends and church family, and everyone who worked together to make this possible.”

Her friend Johnda played a significant role in moving the repairs forward, working to get new windows donated by members of their church in order to keep the project within the allotted budget.

"This was a lifesaving and a lifechanging event for her," Smith said. "She went from being afraid to feeling safe and secure again. Judi's home means the world to her and it was decaying around her. You gave it back to her. She is delighted. For me, it was very rewarding to work with the Escambia County staff and contractors who listened to Judi's concerns and worked so hard to coordinate all the pieces needed to successfully restore her home. Everyone was awesome."  

Tripp expressed her sincere gratitude to Johnda and Escambia County for giving her a chance at a better life in her newly-repaired home, adding that none of this would have been possible without their assistance.

“I’ve been through this house about a million times, and it’s beautiful,” Tripp said. “I’m the luckiest person in the world – I’m way off the ground.”

Additional assistance may be available for income-eligible homeowners in Escambia County. Limited funding is available, but eligible residents in need of assistance are encouraged to reach out for more details. For information about eligibility requirements and assistance programs for Escambia County homeowners, please contact the Neighborhood Enterprise Division at [email protected] or 850-595-1642.

Homeowner Judi Tripp celebrates her newly-renovated home with District 2 Commissioner Mike Kohler, Escambia County staff, and her good friend, Johnda Smith, on Tuesday, July 2.

Homeowner Judi Tripp in front of her newly-renovated home.

Judi's home before repairs were completed.

Judi's home after significant repairs were completed through assistance from Escambia County, with additional help from her close friends and church family.

Judi's home before repairs were completed.

Judi in her newly-renovated bathroom.

Judi and her friend Johnda, who helped make the home repair project possible.