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The physical and emotional toll of recovering from Helene and Milton can be overwhelming. Have hope in Christ and know that there are resources to help. Listed below are the specifics of organizations ready to assist on the path to recovery. For immediate needs, the Florida-Bahamas Synod offers small emergency grants to individuals and families $500-$1,000. Contact a local ELCA pastor and they will review and submit the request to the Bishop’s Office. Checks are sent to the congregation for distribution. The Red Cross and United Way can assist with shelter and food needs. Crisis Cleanup is a coordination website for relief agencies. Financial assistance can be applied for from FEMA, FDEM, SBA, FHFC and the Florida Disaster Fund. Remember that you are not alone, we are the body of Christ, and we walk this path together.
State and Federal relief agencies
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
FEMA provides disaster recovery assistance to individuals and households, including grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and other needs. Requests for Public Assistance (RPAs) must be filed within 30 days of the disaster declaration. Hurricane Milton was declared on October 11, so in most counties, the deadline is November 10.
Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM)
FDEM provides disaster recovery resources, including emergency services, housing assistance, and information on local recovery centers.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans
SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners and renters for rebuilding and repair. They also offer loans to businesses affected by disasters.
Florida Disaster Fund
The Florida Disaster Fund provides financial support for recovery efforts. Individuals and communities can apply for funding to help rebuild and recover.
Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC)
FHFC provides assistance to individuals who need housing after a disaster, including rental assistance and home repair programs.
Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)
D-SNAP provides food assistance to individuals and families affected by disasters who may not qualify for regular SNAP benefits.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
NFIP provides flood insurance claims assistance for individuals affected by flooding due to hurricanes. Filing claims quickly can speed up recovery.
Operation Blue Roof Program Begins for Hurricane Milton Recovery
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Jacksonville District, has launched the Operation Blue Roof Program to assist homeowners affected by Hurricane Milton with temporary roof repairs. This free program, funded by FEMA, provides fiber-reinforced sheeting to protect homes from further damage until permanent repairs can be made. Eligible counties include Brevard, Citrus, Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Manatee, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia. Homeowners can sign up until November 5 at www.blueroof.gov, by calling 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258), or by visiting an ROE collection center. The program is available for primary residences and permanently occupied rental properties with specific roof types. More details are available on the program's website.
Clean up and Recovery Assistance
American Red Cross
The Red Cross provides shelter, food, relief supplies, and emotional support to individuals affected by disasters. They also assist with medical needs and connecting families.
United Way
United Way helps connect individuals to community resources like food, housing, employment assistance, and emotional support. United Way’s 2-1-1 service is a free hotline for connecting people to local services.
Corporation for National and Community Service (AmeriCorps)
AmeriCorps deploys volunteers to disaster areas to help with recovery, including debris removal, rebuilding, and community support.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity can help with rebuilding homes damaged or destroyed by hurricanes. They often organize volunteers to assist with construction and repairs.
Starfish Disaster Recovery
Provides clean-up services following hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods to mitigate further damage and prepare for recovery efforts.
https://starfishdisasterrecovery.org/help/
Crisis Cleanup
Crisis Cleanup is a coordination website for relief agencies. We try to connect survivors who need help, with volunteer groups who can help.
https://crisiscleanup.org/survivor
Florida-Bahamas Synod/LDR
Small emergency grants to individuals and families $500-$1,000. Contact a local ELCA pastor and they will review and submit the request to Bishop’s Office. Checks are sent to the congregation for distribution.
Mental Health and Counseling Support
Crisis Helpline
After a disaster, emotional recovery is important.
Disaster Distress Helpline - Counseling Services
The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is the first national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling.
- Call or text 1-800-985-5990.
- Español: Llama o envía un mensaje de texto 1-800-985-5990 presiona “2.”
- For Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL Callers: Please text or call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 using your preferred Relay provider.
- https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline
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