Ponca City homeowners warned to verify roofers offering Strengthen Oklahoma Homes grants

PONCA CITY, Okla. (KOKH) — The Oklahoma Department of Insurance (OID) is warning homeowners in the Ponca City area about using out-of-state roofing contractors.

OID is warning homeowners about out-of-state roofing contractors making unsolicited offers to help secure grants through the state’s Strengthen Oklahoma Homes (SOH) program, as many of those claims are false.

OID said the SOH program provides grants of up to $10,000 to eligible Oklahoma homeowners for roof upgrades approved through an application process, and only OID- approved contracotrs and evaluators are authorized to participate in the program.

Residents should be cautious of unsolicited out-of-state roofers promising SOH grant access who are not verified by OID.

Statement from Ashley Scott, Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs for the Oklahoma Insurance Department:

If a contractor is knocking on your door and promising you a state grant, your first step is to verify them through our approved list. Do not sign anything until you confirm they are an approved contractor in the SOH program. Also, be sure to verify they are a registered roofer in Oklahoma through the Construction Industries Board and have proper liability insurance.

For a full list of approved evaluators and contractors, visit: https://www.oid.ok.gov/okready/

For more local news delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter by clicking here.