Hillsborough

Hillsborough County and the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) have established Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) for individuals impacted by Hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Debby. They are staffed with personnel from federal, state, regional partners, and non-profit agencies to ensure residents have access to all available resources following the storm events. MARCs are open to individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits seeking assistance or needing help in completing applications after being impacted by Hurricanes Milton, Helene, or Debby. All sites are open from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• Gandy Boat Ramp, 5108 W Gandy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33611
• Bloomingdale Regional Public Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico, FL 33596

The Hillsborough County Office of Emergency Management, Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have opened a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) for individuals, families, and businesses impacted by Hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Debby. The center is open from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. until further notice.

• Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library, 13619 N 22nd St., Tampa 33613

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened a Business Recovery Center at the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, 2101 E. Palm Ave., Tampa, FL 33605. Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps Hillsborough County residents impacted by Hurricanes Milton and Helene pay for energy bills so they don’t have to choose between electricity and groceries.

Hillsborough County has created a webpage with local, state, and national resources available to residents as they recover from Hurricane Helene. Residents can find these resources at HCFL.gov/StormRecovery. 

Pinellas

• Enoch Davis Center, 1111 18th Ave. S, St.  Petersburg

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has set up a Business Recovery Center at the EpiCenter at St. Petersburg College, 13805 58th St. N, Clearwater, FL 33760. Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Pinellas County will document flood damages to apply for potential state and federal emergency assistance. The County needs individuals and businesses to report damages to ensure all damage is accounted for.

• Residents are asked to report their flood damage online.
• Businesses are asked to report damages online.
• Please note: You will still have to report damage to your property to your insurance company for a claim.

Manatee

A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open at the Palmetto Branch Library, 923 6th St. N, Palmetto, FL 34221. Hours are 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily. The DRC is a one-stop location to help answer residents’ questions about disaster recovery and give referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has set up a Business Recovery Center at the Rocky Bluff Branch Library, 6750 U.S. 301, Ellenton, FL 34222. Open Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

Sarasota

The Disaster Resiliency Center (DRC) is open at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily. 

Habitat for Humanity Sarasota has a Critical Home Repair program that is available to income-eligible residents, offering assistance for necessary repairs—whether caused by a hurricane or simply due to wear and tear. Mobile homes are not eligible. Repairs include:

• Roof replacement
• Tree removal when needed for safety and to protect the housing structure
• HVAC units
• Water heaters

Please reach out to Critical Home Repair Program Specialist Estrella Wilkinson at (941) 866-2219 or email CriticalHomeRepair@Habitatsrq.org. Online applications are accepted 24 hours a day seven days a week at https://lnkd.in/gUGdeNXk.

DeSoto

DeSoto County invites community members to please file a report regarding any damage from Milton. Choose the option, “Incident 1” for your report.

https://arcg.is/151eKf0

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering assistance to farmers and agriculture businesses impacted by the storm. Visit www.Farmers.gov/protection-recovery or call (352) 379-4500.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

If you lost your job or had a break in your employment, self-employment, or business as a direct result of Hurricane Helene or Milton, you might be able to get benefit money from DUA. 

Those who work or live in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota,  or 14 other DUA-eligible counties, must file an application by Dec. 2, 2024 for Helene and Dec. 10, 2024 for Milton. If you apply after this date, you might not get benefits unless you have a good reason for filing late.

DUA benefits are available if you were unemployed between Sept. 29, 2024 until March 29, 2025, as long as your unemployment was a direct result of Hurricane Helene or Milton. 

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is a federally funded program that helps people who lose their job as a direct result of a declared disaster. Click here to learn more.

FEMA Assistance is now available for Helene and Milton throughout the state and in 18 Florida counties for Helene, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota. You can go online to  www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call (800) 621-3362. Application deadline is Jan. 7, 2025 for Hurricanes Helene and Milton. 

Assistance is available through the following programs:

• Individual Assistance – Assistance to individuals and households
• Public Assistance – Assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities (Categories A & B)
• Hazard Mitigation Grant Program – Assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards

The programs provide financial and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. The assistance is intended to meet basic needs, supplement disaster recovery efforts, emergency work assistance, replacement of disaster-damaged facilities, and mitigation assistance. Residents who need long-term housing are encouraged to apply for individual assistance with FEMA as soon as possible.

Residents who were impacted can apply for FEMA assistance if they have uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs, according to FEMA. However, the Individuals and Households Program (IHP) assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster.

When you apply, have the following information on hand:

• The address of your damaged home or apartment
• Names of people living in your household
• A description of your disaster damages
• Insurance information
• Your Social Security Number
• A telephone number where you can be reached or left a message
• An address where you can get mail
• If you want your disaster assistance funds sent directly to your bank, provide FEMA your bank information.

What does FEMA assistance for the Individuals and Households Program (IHP) include?  

• Funds for temporary housing while you are unable to live in your home, such as rental assistance or reimbursement for hotel costs  
• Funds to support the repair or replacement of owner-occupied homes that serve as the household’s primary residence, including privately-owned access routes, such as driveways, roads, or bridges.
• A  temporary housing unit when you are not able to use rental assistance due to a lack of available housing resources. Funds for hazard mitigation assistance to help eligible homeowners repair or rebuild stronger, more durable homes.
• Funds for other uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses and serious need.

For application help, call the FEMA Helpline, (800) 621-3362, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Case managers are also available to help with FEMA claims at our  Resource Centers. For technical support or site errors, call the Internet Help Desk, (800) 745-0243, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. 

My FEMA Application didn’t get approved, now what? 

If you are initially denied assistance, you have 60 days to appeal the decision. Often, there may be missing paperwork. For more information and assistance with a denied claim:

• FEMA Appeals Process
• SBP Appeals Help
• SBP Appeals Help (Spanish)
• Legal Aid
• Legal Aid (Spanish)

If your home or business sustained damage from the hurricane due to flooding:

• Contact your insurance agent immediately.
• National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) –  If you’re an NFIP policyholder, visit this site to begin your claim.

United Policyholders (UP) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) whose mission is to be a trustworthy and useful information resource for consumers of all types of insurance across the United States. For assistance navigating your hurricane claim, visit uphelp.org. 

United Way Suncoast partners with a number of agencies that specialize in solving food insecurity and providing immediate relief in times of disaster. Below are links to those agencies.

Feeding Tampa Bay

Metropolitan Ministries

ECHO of Brandon

United Food Bank of Plant City

St. Pete Free Clinic

Hope Villages of America (Clearwater)

Meals On Wheels Plus of Manatee

All Faiths Food Bank

https://www.usa.gov/food-help

The Florida Department of Children and Families provided an update for the replacement of SNAP. SNAP Recipients who lost food due to Hurricane Milton can apply for food replacement by visiting www.myflfamilies.com/milton.

Food assistance is available through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). Through this program, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) makes available in the aftermath of disasters, people who may not be eligible for SNAP in normal circumstances can participate if they meet specific criteria, including disaster income limits and qualifying disaster-related expenses. Visit https://www.myflfamilies.com/milton for more information and to pre-register.

Florida Blue’s mission before, during and after a storm is to help you and your loved ones get the necessary care and medications you need. If you were affected by the recent storms, Florida Blue is here for you. Click here for information and resources.

The Crisis Cleanup hotline may be able to help you with tarps and removal of muck, trees and debris. All services are free, but not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need. This hotline will remain open through Friday, Nov. 8. Online registration will still be available. 

Call 844-965-1386 or visit crisiscleanup.org. They will connect you with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities, who work free of charge and provide the tools and equipment necessary to complete the work.

Here’s a list of resources for those seeking shelter. 

FEMA

You can apply for a FEMA hotel voucher at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply by phone at (800) 621-3362, or by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center. The phone line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you’re eligible for assistance, you can use your FEMA registration number to search for a hotel that accepts FEMA assistance at femaemergencyhotels.com. You can call the hotel to confirm availability and provide your estimated arrival time. When you arrive at the hotel, you’ll need to provide your FEMA registration number, name and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You’ll also need a valid photo ID.

Hillsborough

www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/public-safety/emergency-management/shelters

Pinellas

www.pinellascounty.org/emergency/shelters.htm

Red Cross

The Red Cross is opening multiple shelters in the region. Call 800 Red-Cross and open a case.

Airbnb

Airbnb.org is working with the Florida United Methodist Conference (FLUMC) and 211 centers to provide free, temporary housing for displaced Floridians. Contact FLUMC by calling (863) 688-5563 or (800) 282-8011 or contact 211.

Travel Trailer Sheltering

Travel trailer sheltering is being made available to Floridians who have been displaced. Complete the Activate Hope disaster assistance form for help. 

Bay Area Apartment Association (BAAA)

A list of apartments available to rent to those displaced by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.  Fee waivers and/or discounts may apply. 

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available to help with power reconnection, temporary housing, air conditioning/heating repairs and more after a hurricane. 

Bay Area Legal provides services directly in Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties — the disaster relief helpline connects callers to legal resources in their own local area. Multiple issues can arise in the wake of disaster including conflicts regarding domestic violence injunctions, foster care and small business support.

Businesses are encouraged to take the Florida Commerce’s Business Damage Assessment Survey.  If you have received any damages to your business from Hurricane Helene or Milton, complete the assessment to provide the state a clear picture of the level of damage in your county. Please visit this link to report: https://floridajobs.org/floridadisaster.biz and select “Disaster Assessment Survey.”

Businesses  that were impacted by Hurricane Helene or Milton can now apply to the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. The Emergency Bridge Loan program, which is administered by the Florida Department of Commerce, provides short-term, zero-interest working capital loans that are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer term recovery funding such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims or other resources.  

Eligible small businesses may apply for loans of up to $50,000 through the program. Loans of up to $100,000 are available for agriculture and aquaculture small businesses. 

Visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL  to learn more about the program, view the lending guidelines and required documentation, and complete an application by Nov. 24, 2024 for Helene damage and Dec. 4, 2024 for Milton damage. Business owners who need further program information may call 833-832-4494 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has activated the Physical Disaster Loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans for businesses who experienced economic or physical injury from Hurricane Milton. Get more information here. 

The U.S. Small Business Administration Business Recovery Centers are open to provide one-on-one assistance with submitting disaster loan applications for Florida businesses impacted by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Locations:

• Entrepreneur Collaborative Center (ECC), 2101 E. Palm Ave., Tampa; Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Rocky Bluff Branch Library, 6750 US-301, Ellenton; Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• EpiCenter at St. Petersburg College, 13805 58th St. N, Clearwater; Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The stress and anxiety of a hurricane can sometimes be overwhelming.

The Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7 toll-free, multilingual disaster crisis counseling for anyone experiencing emotional distress related to disasters. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.

For Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL Callers: To connect directly to an agent in American Sign Language, call 1-800-985-5990 from your videophone.