Mississippi's Strengthen Mississippi Homes (SMH) program, run by the Mississippi Insurance Department, puts up to $10,000 toward re-roofing your home to the FORTIFIED Roof standard — the wind-and-hail standard developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). The first certified roofs under the program were completed in October 2026.
Who's eligible
- Mississippi residents who own a single-family home that is their primary residence (not townhomes, rentals, condos or mobile homes).
- An in-force homeowners policy, flood insurance if you're in a special flood hazard area, and wind coverage in force when the work is complete.
- A home in good repair.
- Six coastal counties have an extra building-code requirement. The program describes eligibility as statewide otherwise — DeSoto County homeowners should confirm directly with the program at smh@mid.ms.gov.
How it works
- Apply online when an application window opens — windows are announced in advance on the Mississippi Insurance Department site.
- Get a FORTIFIED evaluation from an approved Certified FORTIFIED Evaluator. You pay the evaluator's fee.
- Contractor bids. Only program-authorized, licensed and insured contractors can do the work, and contractor selection happens inside the program — you can't hire one off the list before the award.
- Award letter. After staff approve three bids, you get an award letter. You have 30 days to opt out in writing before signing.
- Work and certification. The grant is paid directly to the contractor after the work is done and the FORTIFIED certificate is issued. You cover anything above the award.
Why FORTIFIED is worth it in North Mississippi
A FORTIFIED Roof is built to resist the uplift and water intrusion that turn a hailstorm or straight-line wind into an interior claim — sealed deck, stronger nailing, upgraded edge details. For DeSoto County homes that see hail most springs, that's a real difference, and many insurers offer credits for a certified FORTIFIED roof. Ask your agent what yours offers.
Common questions
Do I have to pay the grant back?
No. Grants don't have to be repaid; one grant per household.
Can I use my own roofer?
Only if that roofer is authorized by the program and chosen through the program's bid process.
This guide is general information from a licensed contractor, not legal or insurance advice. Rules change — check the official source linked above before you rely on it.