Hurricane

You can reach us at  disasterhelp@stepupsuncoast.org

Information is changing quickly, check our facebook page for the latest news
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Our Hurricane Resources Flyer is here

Step Up Suncoast Resources:

LIHEAP Assistance Available

Does your heating and cooling system need to be repaired or replaced as a result of damage from
Hurricane Helene?
Help is here!

LIHEAP funds may provide disaster financial assistance for the following:
••••
To reconnect home power, including utility deposits, late fees, and reconnect fees.
To pay for temporary housing.
To buy generators and help pay for generator fuel.
To reconnect power lost due to a storm, including electrical wiring or gas line inspection, utility box
replacement, contractor’s or subcontractor’s cost to repair electrical wiring or gas lines, or other fees
required to assure resumption of services.
To purchase or repair air conditioning and heating systems, including paying for installation of new
systems.

Other Resources:

General Emergency Assistance, Clean Up, and Debris Removal

Samaritan’s Purse

Provides free disaster relief assistance, including flood cleanup, debris removal, and temporary roof tarping.

Contact: 1-833-747-1234

Red Cross Hotline

Offers shelter, emergency aid, and recovery support for those in need.

Contact: 1-800-Red Cross

Florida Baptists Disaster Relief Public Assistance

Free support for storm debris cleanup, roof tarping, and chainsaw work.

Contact: 904-253-0502 or text “Helene” to 27123

Crisis Cleanup Hotline

Helps with storm damage cleanup. Open through October 11, 2024.

Contact: 844-965-1386

FEMA Recovery Centers

The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is open from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM at the Lakewood Ranch Library for those impacted by both Hurricanes Debby and Helene. This is a one-stop location, designed to help answer residents’ questions about disaster recovery and give referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance and status of application(s) being processed by FEMA or other agencies.

Island DRC forthcoming

Other ways to apply:

• https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
• call 1-800-621-3362
• via the FEMA app
• 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

Operation Blue Roof

provide homeowners and permanently occupied rental properties in disaster areas with fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs. This is a free service to homeowners. Operation Blue Roof protects property, reduces temporary housing costs, and allows residents to remain in their homes while recovering from the storm.

here is what would qualify for the Blue Roof Program.

The home must be the primary residence* of the person or household requesting the emergency roof covering; AND

The residence has NO more than 50 percent of the roof framing damaged. The framing must support the plastic sheeting as a temporary repair, and be able to provide safe shelter once contractors install the tarp; AND

The resident certifies that he or she is the owner of the residence requested to be covered OR is a renter that has obtained legal permission to continue occupying the residence until more permanent repairs are made; AND

The resident certifies that they will shelter in the residence that they have requested to be covered; AND

The roof must be standard roof shingles, or a similar material that will allow contractors to nail the tarp in place. Contractors will consider repairs to metal roofs and mobile homes on a case-by-case basis and will install the cover if possible. Contractors cannot cover roofs made of materials such as slate, asbestos or clay tile, or other material which would be exceptionally difficult to repair, or would likely be damaged during tarp installation.

Application: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/25655d5d15a547b8a0774b42ef955739?portalUrl=https://arcportal-ucop-partners.usace.army.mil/usaceportal

Call: 888-ROOF-BLU or 888-766-3258

Manatee County Collection and Landfill

Residents are asked to keep storm debris separated from regular refuse to ensure it’s disposed of properly. Further separate debris into these 3 categories: vegetative (e.g. tree branches), construction/demolition (e.g. building materials, fencing, furniture/mattresses) and appliances/white goods Beginning 9/30 in Palma Sola, Cortez, Terra Ceia, Ellenton, and Rubonia.

The Lena Road Landfill will be open for those who wish to dispose of their own hurricane debris. Manatee County residents will need to show proof of residency to waive tipping fees for hurricane-related debris only.

Temporary/Emergency Housing

Red Cross: shelter is now open at First Baptist in Bradenton (1306 Manatee Ave W) to provide temporary housing for those displaced by Hurricane Helene

Florida Department of Health (DOH)

Special Needs Shelters are available in impacted areas. Visit local county emergency management pages for shelter locations.

FEMA Hotel Vouchers

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 femaevachotels.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.

Florida homeowners and renters in counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance.

 

AirBnB Temporary Housing

contact Florida United Methodist Conference (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.

https://news.airbnb.com/airbnb-org-offers-temporary-housing-to-people-impacted-by-hurricane-helene/

VISIT FLORIDA Emergency Accommodation Modules

Real-time hotel availability for evacuees. Contact: Access through Expedia, Priceline, or Booking.com.

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 femaevachotels.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.

Food, Water, Cleaning, and Emergency Supplies

Manatee County Distribution Centers

Distributing MREs, tarps, water

• GT Bray Park
• 5502 33rd Avenue Drive West, Hours of Operation: 8 AM- 8 PM
• Bennett Park
• 400 Cypress Creek Blvd, Hours of Operation: 8 AM- 8 PM
• Blackstone Park
• 2112 14th Ave West, Hours of Operation: 8 AM- 8 PM
• Wakeland
• 1812 27th Street East, Hours of Operation: 8 AM- 8 PM
• COB Parking Garage

3rd Ave West and 10th Street West, Hours of Operation: 8 AM- 8 PM

Meals on Wheels of Manatee PLUS

Will provide food through pantries and mobile food delivery. Includes pet food.

• Contact: (941) 747-4655 or info@mealsonwheelsplus.org
• Full list of pantries: https://mealsonwheelsplus.org/food-bank-of-manatee/food-pantries/
• Home-delivered meals request: https://mealsonwheelsplus.org/home-delivered-meals/registration/
• Special Helene Support sites
• Rubonia: starting Monday 9/30 at 4 pm through the week as needed. Food, water, and cleaning supplies

Anna Maria Island and surrounding areas: Cleaning supplies will be distributed on Wednesday 10/2

 

 

 

• 
  All Faiths Food Bank (Sarasota and Desoto)
• For food, water, or emergency supplies, please continue to check the website and social media platforms or call 941.379.6333 for the most up-to-date information on distributions.
• Pantry & Distribution Finder: https://allfaithsfoodbank.org/foodfinder/
• Feeding Tampa Bay
• Meal distibutions. Check Facebook for most up-to-date information: https://www.facebook.com/FeedingTampaBay
• 10/03/24 - Palm View K8 (6025 Bayshore Rd, Palmetto) from 4:30-6:30

Legal and Counseling Services and Resource and Referrals

Disaster Legal Hotline

Offers free legal assistance for issues arising from the hurricane.

Contact: 833-514-2940

2-1-1 Helpline

Provides information and referrals for health, human services, and disaster recovery.

Contact: Dial 2-1-1

Flood Claims

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.

HopeFlorida

Provides resource and referral services

Help Form: https://hopeflorida.com/get-help/helene.html

Finding Transportation

Pending Resources

Paying my Bills

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program at Step Up Suncoast

call 941-827-2887 or email disasterhelp@stepupsuncoast.org

Medical Supplies and Relief

MCR Health Mobile Visits (medical visits, medication and prescription refills, mental health services, and referral services)

• Tuesday, October 1st from 12pm-4pm: Rubonia Community Center, 1309 72nd Street East, Palmetto
• Wednesday, October 2nd from 9am-4pm: GT Bray, 5502 33rd Ave Dr W, Bradenton
• Thursday, October 3rd from 9am-4pm: Cortez Village
• Friday, October 4th from 9am-4pm: Palmetto Point

VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center (Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs)

Offers 24/7 virtual care and emergency telehealth support for veterans.

Contact: 1-877-741-3400

Teladoc Health

In response to the impact of Hurricane Helene on Florida, Teladoc Health is offering free, easy-to-access telehealth visits to help you, your family, and your community get the care needed. Access essential healthcare easily and at no cost during this challenging time.

Visit teladochealth.com/info/disaster-hotline or call (855) 225-5032 to request a free visit.

Career Resources

CareerSource

Home

(941) 358-4200

Business Resources and WiFi Access

Florida SBDC

Offering recovery resources for businesses across multiple counties.

Website: sbdctampabay.com/resources/#disaster

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Low-interest loans for disaster recovery.

Website: Disaster Assistance | SBA

American Red Cross

Text “GETEMERGENCY” to 90999 for real-time service locations.

Website: RedCross.org

FEMA Guidance for Businesses

Businesses should gather documentation for financial assistance.

Website: FEMA

Florida Disaster Contractors Network

Connects homeowners with licensed contractors for emergency repairs.

Contact: Register at DCNOnline.org.

FloridaCommerce Private Sector Hotline

Provides business support in disaster recovery.

Contact: (850) 815-4925, or email ESF18@em.myflorida.com.

Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)

Encourages lodging establishments to relax pet policies and waive pet fees for evacuees.

Contact: See updates via DBPR communications.

FDACS Agricultural Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program

Offers low-interest loans to farmers and ranchers for post-disaster recovery.

Contact: Email DAIOPSAssessment@FDACS.gov or call 863-993-5460.

Comcast has opened 52,000 Xfinity hotspots, and Spectrum is offering free WiFi in affected regions.

Contact: Visit Comcast Xfinity or Spectrum WiFi locations.

Replacing Furniture

Streets of Paradise

Warehouse Open for Hurricane Relief – We are opening our warehouse at the Airport Mall (8251 15th St East, Sarasota, FL) for anyone affected by the recent hurricanes who needs household items, including furniture like sofas, chairs, tables, and bedding.

Thursday: 10 AM – 4 PM, Sunday: 10 AM – 2 PM

Pending Resources

Repairing/Replacing Appliances

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program at Step Up Suncoast (AC ONLY)

call 941-827-2887 or email disasterhelp@stepupsuncoast.org

Municipality Resources and Updates for Hurricane Helene

Town of Longboat Key

Website: longboatkey.org

Facebook: Town of Longboat Key

City of Venice

Website: venicegov.com

Facebook: City of Venice, Florida

City of Sarasota

Website: sarasotafl.gov

Facebook: City of Sarasota

City of North Port

Website: northportfl.gov

Facebook: The City of North Port

Manatee County

Website: mymanatee.org/storm

Facebook: Manatee County Government

• Fees Waived for Certain Types of Building Permits
• To help Manatee County residents, Development Services is waiving residential and commercial property building permit fees through December 31, 2024, for standard door and window replacement (size for size), standard roof replacement, standard electrical (minor electrical repairs) and standard residential (alteration for interior repair from water intrusion). Substantial Damage Review is required if the structure is located within a flood zone. A permit will not be required for drywall repair if the structure is located outside a flood zone. However, a permit may be required based on scope of work.
• For further detailed information on permitting requirements and what type of work is exempted and not exempted from permit requirements, please refer to the Manatee County Development Services section of the mymanatee.org website or call (941) 748-4501, x6893. Manatee County residents can also call the Building and Permitting Department at (941) 748-4501, ext. 3800, to check if their contractor is registered locally, review any complaints against them, or access their permit history.

Storm and Generator Safety Tips

• Stay out of floodwaters to avoid electrical hazards and contaminants.
• Use generators outdoors, away from doors and windows, and protect them from rain.
• Beware of Scammers
• Ensure contractors are licensed and insured.
• Report suspicious activity to local authorities.
• For ongoing updates and official information, visit the county websites or follow their social media accounts