Short answer: Strengthen Mississippi Homes is a Mississippi Insurance Department grant that pays up to $10,000 to retrofit an owner-occupied single-family home's roof to the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof standard. The money goes directly to the contractor after certification. Since July 1, 2026, it's open only to Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association (MWUA) policyholders on the Gulf Coast, with a statewide rollout expected in early 2027.
How the grant works
The Department's Strengthen Mississippi Homes FAQ describe the basics:
- The grant pays up to $10,000 toward upgrading the roof to IBHS FORTIFIED Roof.
- It's for owner-occupied, single-family homes.
- Funds go directly to the contractor after the work is finished and IBHS issues the FORTIFIED certificate.
Who can apply first
The Department's June 2026 release says that beginning July 1, 2026, grants go only to Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association (MWUA) policyholders who have been insured with MWUA for three consecutive policy years, selected from interest forms already submitted. Other homeowners are expected to be eligible in a statewide rollout in early 2027. Watch the Department's page for that expansion.
Discounts required by law
Separately from the grant, Mississippi Code §83-75-1 and §83-75-3 require insurers to offer actuarially justified premium discounts or rate reductions on wind coverage for qualifying mitigation construction, including homes certified to FORTIFIED standards. The amount varies by insurer. Ask yours how a FORTIFIED certificate changes your wind premium, and compare quotes.
Practical steps
- Confirm whether you're eligible in the current phase, which is limited to MWUA policyholders.
- Follow the program's evaluator and contractor process, and don't start work before approval.
- When the certificate arrives, send it to your insurer or agent and confirm the discount appears on your next declarations page.
Bottom line
Coastal Mississippi homeowners with MWUA coverage have first access to this grant. Everyone can ask insurers about the FORTIFIED discount required by state law. See what a FORTIFIED roof is.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. Vea insurance in Mississippi.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Strengthen Mississippi Homes grant?
Up to $10,000 toward a FORTIFIED Roof, paid directly to the contractor after certification.
Who can apply for Strengthen Mississippi Homes?
Since July 1, 2026, only MWUA policyholders with three consecutive policy years; a statewide rollout is expected in early 2027.
Do Mississippi insurers discount FORTIFIED homes?
State law requires actuarially justified wind premium discounts or rate reductions for qualifying mitigation, including FORTIFIED.
What is MWUA?
The Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association, which provides wind coverage on the coast.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.