Frankfort, Kentucky (March 12, 2026) – Kentucky homeowners have an opportunity to better protect their homes from severe weather through the Strengthen Kentucky Homes (SKH) Program, a grant initiative created by House Bill 256, legislation sponsored by Representative Sarge Pollock during the 2024 Regular Session. The measure created a dedicated fund and directed state officials to implement the program to help reduce storm damage and improve the resilience of homes across the Commonwealth. Applications for the program are now open, with 130 grants approved and 45 more initiated to date.
“Earlier, I learned that the first roof is being installed today on the home of a family in Georgetown. I can’t think of anything more rewarding than knowing we’re making Kentucky families safer and better prepared. After all, we’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact severe storms can have on homes and communities,” Pollock said. “This program helps homeowners take proactive steps to strengthen their homes while also potentially lowering insurance costs.”
The program, administered through the Kentucky Department of Insurance, provides grants of up to $10,000 to help eligible homeowners upgrade their roofs to the FORTIFIED™ Roof standard, a nationally recognized construction method designed to better withstand high winds, hail, and severe storms.
The program focuses on improving the durability of roofs by requiring upgrades such as sealed roof decks, stronger roof attachments, reinforced edges, and impact-resistant shingles that can withstand hail and high winds. These improvements can significantly reduce the risk of water intrusion and structural damage during major weather events.
In addition to making homes safer and more resilient, properties built or retrofitted to meet the FORTIFIED standard may qualify for insurance premium discounts, further helping homeowners save money over time.
Grant funding will be paid directly to contractors upon completion of the work, and participating homes must meet the FORTIFIED Roof certification requirements established by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety.
According to the program, program details and requirements include:
Homeowners applying for a grant should wait to see if they are approved to participate before contacting an Evaluator or Contractor as the process for selecting professionals is managed through the SKH grant program. Homeowners who select a Contractor and begin work on the project before receiving approval from SKH are not eligible for the grant.
Homeowners selected to receive a grant will be responsible for paying evaluation fees for the entire evaluation process according to prices set by the Evaluator.
The applicant must be the owner of the property to be mitigated and must also be a resident of Kentucky.
Homes must be in good repair as determined by a FORTIFIED Evaluator.
Condominiums and mobile homes are not eligible to participate in the program.
Homes on a foundation constructed of unrestrained stacked masonry or stone (dry-stack foundation) are not eligible without an approved retrofit of the foundation.
The completed project must meet the FORTIFIED Roof Standard for the grant to be issued. Grant funds are paid directly to contractors. Homeowners are financially responsible for all costs beyond the full grant amount. Grant funding is limited to construction costs.
“As severe weather events become more frequent, strengthening our homes is one of the smartest investments we can make,” Pollock said. “This program gives Kentuckians the tools and support they need to better protect their families and their property.”
More information about eligibility requirements, the application process, and approved contractors can be found at the program website, https://skh.ky.gov/.
(Laura Leigh Goins, Deputy Chief of Staff for Media Relations – Kentucky House of Representatives)