Community Support Resources
Florida Division of Emergency Management
Website: FloridaDisaster.org
Offers local recovery resources and updates on disaster declarations.
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) offers disaster assistance for people affected by hurricanes and floods. Even if you have insurance, FEMA may cover items not included in your policy.Assistance may include temporary housing, repairs, personal property replacement, and disaster-related medical expenses.
Website: FEMA Disaster Assistance, https://www.
disasterassistance.gov Phone: 1-800-621-3362
State Assistance Information Line-Residents in need of information or resources should call the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) at 1-800-342-3557. English, Spanish and Creole speakers are available to answer questions.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
Contact your insurer or the NFIP hotline for claims related to flood damage.
Website: FloodSmart.gov
Airbnb.org is providing free, temporary housing for people who have been displaced by Hurricane Helene in several US states.
For more information click here.
Florida residents displaced by the hurricane should contact FLUMC by calling (863) 688-5563 or (800) 282-8011 (toll-free) or by contacting their local 211, which they can find at 211.org.
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
$15 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene.
The program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Helene.
Interested applicants can apply now through November 25, 2024, or until all available funds are expended
https://floridacommerce.my.
site.com/ RebuildFloridaBusinessLoanFund /s/
Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans
You may qualify for low-interest loans for home repair or replacing damaged property.
SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to qualified homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes
loans may help with home repair or replacement, personal property, vehicles, mitigation, business losses, and working capital for small business and most private nonprofits.
Website: SBA Disaster Loans, https://www.sba.gov/funding-
programs/disaster-assistance/ hurricane-helene
Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)
Temporary food assistance for families affected by disasters. Check with Florida's Department of Children and Families for eligibility.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
If the disaster has impacted your ability to work, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits.
Spectrum offering free, unlimited access to Spectrum WiFi access points in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. For locations: https://lnkd.in/ghjN6wADCrisis Cleanup-People can receive free services like cutting fallen trees, tarping roofs and mold mitigation with the help of Crisis Cleanup by calling 844-965-1386. The hotline is open through October 11 and can connect people with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and the faith-based community who may be able to assist.
Disaster Legal Services (DLS) provides free legal help to individuals who earn a low income and live in a federally declared disaster area. Legal advice is limited to cases that will not produce a fee. Cases that may generate a fee are turned over to a local lawyer referral service. DLS may be able to help you with:
Insurance claims for doctor and hospital bills, loss of property, or loss of life
New wills, powers of attorney, and other legal documents lost in the disaster
Home repair contracts and contractors
Problems with landlords
Learn more about Disaster Legal Services.
IRS tax relief-If you live in an area affected by a federally declared disaster, you may be eligible for IRS tax relief. Tax relief options may include a tax filing extension and an expedited refund.