Individual Assistance Available for Hurricane Helene

FEMA assistance is now available to Pinellas County residents who experienced damages/losses due to Hurricane Helene. Disaster assistance may include financial help for temporary lodging, and other disaster-caused expenses. Eligible residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA app, or by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams (DSATs) are in Pinellas County and are continuing to work in the community to assist with FEMA IA registration.

Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) operations will be on hold until after Hurricane Milton passes the area. There are also six locations with DSAT teams offering assistance. The latest information on FEMA assistance can be found at disaster.pinellas.gov.

The US Small Business Administration is offering low interest Physical Damage and Economic Injury Loans. Residents and businesses can visit https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance to apply, and can contact disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or call  1-800-659-2955 for assistance.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Helene and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Eligible Floridians whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted because of Hurricane Helene can submit a claim at floridajobs.org.

SNAP Recipients who lost food due to Hurricane Helene can apply for food replacement through the Florida Department of Children and families at https://www.myflfamilies.com/helene.

Pinellas County Schools will serve all meals free of charge to all students throughout the month.

HOPE Florida is assisting residents with unmet needs. The HOPE Line can be reached at 1-833-GET-HOPE (1-833-438-4673) or at hopeflorida.com.

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

Care About Me, Pinellas County’s access line for mental health, substance use, and addiction services, can help residents or family members of individuals in non-crisis find local services. Call or text 1-888-431-1998 or chat in on careaboutme.org to confidentially speak with an experienced behavioral health specialist who will triage needs and help get an appointment scheduled with a local provider.

Residents who need help cleaning up damage can request assistance through the Crisis Cleanup at (844) 965-1386 or by visiting crisiscleanup.org. There are currently 1,492 cases submitted in Pinellas County. Local voluntary relief organizations will respond to these requests.

Residents needing disaster assistance, including cleanup kits, can contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or Red Cross App.

Hello Community Partners, 

We have a few resources to help you and your communities recover from Hurricane Helene. Please share these resources with your friends, family, neighbors and members of your faith-based communities that may be in need. 

Crisis Cleanup

Attached is a flyer for Crisis Cleanup to assist with cleanup efforts including, muck, debris, trees and tarps. Please call the hotline if you are in need of this service. 

FEMA Assistance

FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at Largo Public Library located at 120 Central Park Drive in Largo. The DRC can help with applications and provide you with information you may need. I

t is open during the following hours: 

· 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. from Monday through Wednesday

· 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.

· Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

FEMA can assist with serious needs including but not limited to medicine, clothing and food needs. Make sure to keep your application updated (if your needs change) and include a phone number that you will be able to be reached at.

SNAP Program Food Replacement

SNAP Recipients who lost food due to Hurricane Helene can apply for food replacement by completing the form below. To apply, individuals must:

· Be a current SNAP Recipient.

· Complete the form by October 6th, 2024.

Households are required to provide verification of having a power outage of 4 or more hours to their MYACCESS Account.

Apply Here: Helene | Florida DCF (myflfamilies.com)