This post will be continually updated as more resources become available.

On September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend as a strong Category 4 hurricane. Helene has left a wake of destruction along its path. The road to recovery will be long and arduous, and many Floridians will be dealing with the aftermath long after Helene leaves the news cycle.

As federal, state, and local governments respond to this disaster, it is critical that public resources are utilized to ensure an equitable recovery — one that rebuilds what was lost and damaged, and one that also strengthens Florida’s communities and the environment to withstand future disasters. 

Below are resources that have been mobilized by government agencies to provide relief to Floridians impacted by Hurricane Helene. As the damage is assessed and recovery efforts are implemented, agencies will respond by making changes to policies and programs, often on a daily or even hourly basis. FPI will continue to update this page to reflect up-to-date information.

At the request of Gov. Ron DeSantis, President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster for Individual Assistance purposes in the following counties to date due to Hurricane Helene: 

• Charlotte (County)
• Citrus (County)
• Dixie (County)
• Franklin (County)
• Hernando (County)
• Hillsborough (County)
• Jefferson (County)
• Lafayette (County)
• Lee (County)
• Levy (County)
• Madison (County)
• Manatee (County)
• Pasco (County)
• Pinellas (County)
• Sarasota (County)
• Taylor (County)
• Wakulla (County)

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

FEMA, part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is the primary federal agency to provide assistance before, during, and after disasters. Florida is located within FEMA’s Region 4 office, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Governors make requests for major disaster or emergency declarations through the regional FEMA office. Once a declaration is made, the state and residents can access an array of assistance and services. FEMA disaster assistance is provided under three broad categories:

• individuals and households (for housing, business recovery, unemployment assistance, and other needs)
• public entities (including certain nonprofit organizations, for repair and rebuilding public facilities and infrastructure)
• hazard mitigation (to gird against future disasters and potential losses) 

This tracker will focus on individuals and households.

Note on eligibility: For most assistance from FEMA (e.g., cash assistance, including Disaster Unemployment Assistance), applicants must be a U.S. Citizen, Non-Citizen National, or a Qualified Alien to qualify. Anyone can apply for and receive FEMA-funded Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, and short-term, non-cash, emergency aid regardless of their immigration status if otherwise eligible. Ineligible immigrants can apply for FEMA assistance on behalf of their U.S. citizen child or another adult household member.

To apply for FEMA assistance, individuals can visit disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app, or call 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY). Applications can also be made in person at Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) once DRCs are open.  

Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs)

DRCs are mobile or brick-and-mortar locations within affected communities where Helene survivors can apply for FEMA assistance or check on existing FEMA applications. In addition, DRCs are often staffed with other agencies and nonprofit organizations who can provide other kinds of assistance with disaster recovery. A list of DRC locations will be provided as soon as they are deployed.

Housing Assistance

Find an open homeless shelter near you by texting SHELTER and your zip code to 4FEMA (43362). (Envíe un mensaje de texto con la palabra REFUGIO y su código postal a 4FEMA [43362].) Additionally, the Red Cross and Salvation Army databases can be searched for open shelters in your area.

Homeowners and renters affected by Hurricane Helene in the designated counties eligible for financial and direct services may apply for FEMA disaster assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. 

FEMA disaster assistance may include financial help with temporary lodging and home repairs, as well as other disaster-related expenses for damage and losses not covered by homeowners, renters, or flood insurance. This includes: temporary housing, damage repair not covered by insurance, funds to replace damaged homes, and grants for the construction of a new home (in very limited circumstances). The following information will be required when applying: 

• a current phone number where you can be contacted
• your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying
• a Social Security number (can be yours, another adult in the household’s, or a minor child’s)
• a general list of damage and losses
• proof of your household’s total income, before taxes, at the time of the disaster
• banking information if you choose direct deposit
• if insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

If you have homeowners, renters, or flood insurance, you should file a claim immediately. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses already covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance. Take photos to document damage and begin cleanup and repairs to prevent further damage. Remember to keep receipts from all purchases related to the cleanup and repair. If you are initially turned down, it is advisable to appeal the decision, as many initial claim rejections can be turned into acceptable claims with a few tweaks. To ensure that a FEMA representative inspects your home, you should call and check back periodically.

Information on filing a flood claim through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) can be found here. You must have a policy through the NFIP to file a claim.

For future reference about climate hazard risks and preparation options in your location, Hazard Aware is a free service that provides in-depth analyses and practical advice.

Other FEMA Assistance

FEMA also provides financial help for necessary non-housing needs that are directly related to the disaster in the following areas:

• personal property such as clothing; household items; tools, clothing, and equipment required for employment; computers, books, supplies, etc., required for school
• transportation, including repair or replacement of vehicles, and public transportation costs
• funeral expenses 
• moving and storage expenses 
• some medical and dental expenses
• child care
• clean up items

Disaster Legal Services Advice Hotline

The Disaster Legal Services Advice Hotline is a FEMA-funded free legal aid hotline for disaster-related problems for survivors in affected counties who cannot afford an attorney. When the hotline is activated, callers may be instructed to say that they are seeking storm-related legal assistance, indicate the county in which they are located, and state their legal problem(s). Among the many legal issues that callers may be able to get help with are FEMA benefits, home repairs contracts, insurance claims, wills, scams, landlord/tenant problems, and access to disaster assistance.

Florida Housing Finance Corporation 

The Florida Housing Finance Corporation has updated its Disaster Relief webpage to provide families with information on housing resources and assistance. This webpage will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.

• Florida Housing has ensured that all listings are up to date in the event that your family has been displaced and you need to quickly relocate. To find an affordable rental property, click here. If you do not have internet access, you may also call the following toll-free number for assistance in conducting a search: 1-877-428-8844.

• If your home sustained damage as a result of the storm, your local State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) office may have recovery assistance available to help with temporary relocation, rental assistance, debris removal and/or home repairs. Please contact your local office directly for more information. You can find your local office by clicking here. 

Florida Department of Commerce (DOC) 

DOC is the lead state agency focused on economic development. DOC administers the state’s Unemployment Insurance program, among other programs aimed at business development, community development and planning, and workforce development and statistics.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) provides unemployment assistance to people in FEMA disaster-declared counties whose employment or self-employment has been impacted as a direct result of a hurricane if they are not eligible for regular Unemployment Insurance (UI).

The State of Florida will announce the roll out of DUA when and if the program is activated. Once activated, DUA-eligible workers usually include but are not limited to people who are self-employed, gig and part-time workers, and workers who have already exhausted their regular Reemployment Assistance (RA). Generally, citizens and immigrants who have work authorization can collect DUA. 

Applicants normally must file for state Reemployment Assistance benefits first, before filing for DUA. During the application, claimants should note whether their work has been impacted by the disaster. If applicants are determined ineligible for Reemployment Assistance, DOC will automatically prompt them to file a DUA application if they said that their job was impacted by the disaster. 

Other information about DUA, including eligibility criteria and the link to apply, will be posted on DOC’s web site, or applicants can go to a local CareerSource Center. 

For help applying, DOC will likely provide a telephone number to call to speak with a representative.

Reemployment Assistance

DOC usually waives Reemployment Assistance work search reporting, wait week, and Employ Florida registration requirements in FEMA disaster-declared counties.  If those flexibilities are activated for Hurricane Helene survivors, DOC will post more information on its web site.

Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF)

DCF provides a range of social services to children, adults, and families in Florida in disaster situations. This includes programs to support household and family self-sufficiency through economic, medical and food support.

‍Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP is the most important safety net protecting Floridians from food insecurity. SNAP provides grocery assistance to households with low income who are struggling to put food on the table. In a hurricane, SNAP plays a pivotal role in making sure that disaster survivors can access food.

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) 

D-SNAP provides food assistance to households with significant disaster-related expenses who are not eligible for regular SNAP. D-SNAP does not look at citizenship status, impose a work requirement, or preclude college students from participating.  DCF will likely make an announcement about D-SNAP for Hurricane Helene in the coming days.

Supplemental SNAP

Supplemental SNAP is extra SNAP for people who were receiving benefits when the disaster happened that were not at maximum amount for their household size. In those cases, DCF may issue supplemental benefits to bring SNAP allotments for affected households in the disaster area up to the maximum allotment for a household of their size. If DCF activates Supplemental SNAP, expect an announcement in the coming days. 

‍Replacement SNAP

Replacement SNAP allows households already participating in SNAP to get food replaced that has been destroyed in a disaster. As of now, for Hurricane Helene, DCF is asking that SNAP participants who lost food to apply for food replacement by October 6, 2024, using this form. Unless an affected participant lives in one of the following counties, DCF will ask for verification of power outage of at least 4 hours:

• Alachua
• Baker
• Bradford 
• Columbia
• Dixie
• Gilchrist 
• Hamilton
• Jefferson 
• Lafayette
• Levy
• Madison
• Nassau
• Suwannee
• Taylor
• Union
• Wakulla

People who have problems obtaining verification should ask DCF for assistance in proving the power outage in their neighborhood.

Normally, replacement issuances  will be made for the amount of the loss, up to the total amount of the benefit issued for the month.

Hot Foods

DCF normally obtains permission from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Services to allow households in affected counties to purchase hot and prepared food, such as hot deli food, food from the salad bar, sandwiches, and fountain drinks, with their SNAP assistance. If Hurricane Helene survivors are allowed to use SNAP for pot food,  DCF will announce this flexibility soon. 

Family Resource Centers

DCF operates Family Resource Support Centers with staff on site, including Hope Navigators, behavioral health partners who specialize in disaster recovery response, and public benefit eligibility specialists to help individuals and families. Click here for location information in the coming days and weeks. In addition, Florida’s HOPE LINE, which is available to assist those in need of resources or other assistance after the storm, is now available 24/7 for at least the next two-plus weeks at 833-GET-HOPE.

U.S. Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

FNS has granted the Florida Department of Health’s request to allow operators in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to provide meals in a non-congregate setting through October 25, 2024 and adjust meal service times, among other flexibilities.

FNS has also granted the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ request to permit operators of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Special Milk Program (SMP), Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP),Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) to, among other flexibilities, serve meals in a non-congregate setting through October 31, 2024. 

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

The SBA provides capital and business development assistance to help grow and build small businesses. In response to disasters, the SBA provides low-interest loans to homeowners and business owners to pay for damages that are not covered by insurance. The SBA provides three types of disaster loans: 1) home disaster loans to repair or replace homes; 2) business physical disaster loans, to repair or replace business property; and 3) economic injury disaster loans, to provide assistance to small businesses and agricultural cooperatives to meet their expenses during the disaster period and until they resume normal business. 

Click here for information on applying for an SBA loan.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)

CMS is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). CMS administers the Medicare program and works in partnership with state governments to administer Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance program (CHIP). 

State of Florida Waivers

Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra used his authority in the Public Health Service Act to declare a Non-Covid Public Health Emergency (PHE), effective September 23, 2024 until December 21, 2024, giving CMS the flexibility to support beneficiaries in Florida. These flexibilities are applied through waivers that the state or individual care providers can adopt.

• ‍Florida’s 1812f Waiver – allows Medicare to pay for care in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) without the requirement of a three consecutive day stay or the requirement of at least 60 consecutive days in a non-institutional or custodial level of care. This is useful for individuals who are evacuated, transferred, or potentially face other disruptions from the hurricane.‍

• Florida’s 1135 Waiver -  waives a wide range of requirements under section 1135(b) of the Social Security Act that would otherwise complicate care during a disaster. This waiver allows for the following flexibilities, effective September 2, 2023:
  -Less strict conditions for participation, certification requirements, and program participation for individual providers to provide care
  -Allows physicians from other states to provide services in Florida if they have an equivalent license from another state
  -Allows the relocation of patients to receive medical screening, and relocation of patients who have not been stabilized if the transfer is necessary because of Hurricane Helene
  -Allows flexibilities for physician referrals
  -Allows certain flexibilities for HIPAA and privacy regulations
  -Allows flexibilities to modify deadlines and timetables to ensure that services are available to those who need them 
  -Health care providers who need additional flexibilities specific to the effects resulting from Hurricane Helene can submit a request to CMS here.

• ‍Blanket Waivers - Do not require forms to be submitted, these are applied automatically by CMS surveyors. They include but are not limited to the following for different types of service providers (full details can be seen at the link for blanket waivers):
  -Expanded telehealth services
  -Offsite hospital screening for patients in need of mental or physical care
  -Flexibilities for Medical staff requirements in terms of credentialing within the state
  -Allowing longer times to submit medical records to care for patients during the emergency
  -Allows longer stays for certain individuals in need of care for those on Medicare
  -Flexibilities in physical environment requirements for providing care
  -Flexibilities in data reporting requirements

Medical Equipment and Supplies Replacements 

CMS will temporarily waive certain requirements to enable people with Medicare who have lost or sustained damage to their durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies as a result of the hurricane to receive replacements of such items and services. This will help to ensure beneficiaries can continue to access the needed medical equipment and supplies they rely on each day. Medicare beneficiaries can contact 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for assistance.

Dialysis Care

CMS is helping people obtain and maintain access to critical life-saving services by activating the Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER) program and working with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Network 7, which is responsible under a contract with CMS for assessing the status of dialysis facilities in potentially impacted areas of the State of Florida. The ESRD Network 7 (Florida) toll-free hotline is 800-826-3773. Additional information is available here on the KCER website. Floridians in need of immediate assistance can call the KCER hotline at 866-901-3773. 

Special Enrollment Periods for Hurricane Victims

Open enrollment in Florida begins on November 1, 2024. If a qualified individual is unable to enroll in a Qualified Health Insurance Plan due to Hurricane Helene during the 60-day enrollment period, the individual and their dependents will be eligible for an Exceptional Circumstances Special Enrollment Period that allows them to enroll in health care coverage after the deadline of December 15, 2024. To request an Exceptional Circumstances SEP, FEMA-emergency affected individuals must contact the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 or TTY at 1- 855-889-4325 and indicate they were eligible for another enrollment window but were unable to complete their enrollment due to a FEMA-designated emergency or disaster.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 

SAMHSA is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. 

SAMHSA Disaster Preparedness and Recovery

The Disaster Distress Helpline is a national hotline dedicated to providing year-round immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. 

Local Governmental Resources

• Charlotte County - For information on Charlotte County’s emergency management operations visit their website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram. To get text alerts on local recovery efforts and more, sign up for CharCoCares (Charlotte County Cares).  Schools have reopened.
• ‍Citrus County – For information on current disasters (not 911), call (352) 249-2775 during the emergency period or (352) 249-2790 or visit the sheriff’s emergency management page. To get phone, text, or email alerts on weather, sign up for AlertCitrus. Follow on social media via Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).  Schools have reopened. As of 9/28/2024, three schools, Crystal River Primary, Crystal River Middle and the Academy of Environmental Science, were affected by the storm. The principals have reached out to their students and families.
• Dixie County – To get information on registering for special needs shelters, to sign-up for DixieAlert for alerts on community emergencies, and to get help with coping with disasters visit the county’s emergency management website. Follow the county on Facebook and Instagram.  Schools will be closed through 9/30/2024.
• Franklin County - For information on Franklin County’s emergency management, visit their website. You can also sign up for emergency alerts to your phone, email or both. Connect with them on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). Schools have reopened.
• ‍Hernando County - Sign up for Alert Hernando to get updates before, during and after a disaster. Find information on shelters, making disaster plans, registering for special needs shelters, and hurricane debris removal by visiting the county’s Emergency Management website.  Get updates on the county’s social media Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).‍ Schools have reopened.
• Hillsborough County - Visit the county’s emergency management website for information before, during and after the storm. Sign up to get voice, text or email updates on many topics including storm and flood alerts.  Connect with the county on social media including Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).  Schools have reopened.‍
• ‍Jefferson County – Visit the county’s emergency management website to get information needed before, during, and after the current emergency, including getting assistance.‍  The county’s website is currently undergoing updates.  The phone number for the emergency management coordinator is (850) 342-0211.  Schools have reopened.
• Lafayette County – Visit the county website and get information on important county, state, and federal disaster resources on the county’s emergency management website. Schools will reopen 10/2/2024.‍
• ‍Lee County - Visit the county’s website for current storm information and visit the Department of Public Safety’s page for info on preparing for storms and signing up for LeePrepares to get text alerts.  Schools have reopened.‍
• ‍Levy County – Register for Alert Levy to get updates on severe weather and community emergencies.  Get information on preparing for, weathering, and recovering from disasters on the county’s emergency management website.‍  Follow the emergency management on Facebook. Levy County Schools have reopened with the exception of Cedar Key School which will reopen 10/2/2024.‍
• ‍Madison County – For information on recovery from disasters including community service sites, medical resources, disaster clean-up, and county, state and federal resources, visit the county’s emergency management website and sign up for storm alerts and important information on critical community events.  Madison County Schools will reopen on 10/2/2024.‍
• ‍Pasco County - Visit the county’s disaster preparedness page to get ready for storms. For updates and information on resources follow the county on social media on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and NextDoor.  Schools have reopened.‍
• ‍Pinellas County - Connect to the Pinellas County emergency operations center, get the latest news and updates, information on closures, and learn how to report damage to your home or business. Connect to Pinellas County social media on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Nextdoor.  Pinellas County Schools have reopened with the exception of Gulf Beaches Elementary, Madeira Beach Fundamental K-8 and Disston Academy.  Additional information from Pinellas County schools can be found here.‍
• ‍Sarasota County - Visit the county’s emergency management storm page to get updates on the storm and its aftermath and sign up to get phone, text email or push alerts visit. Get the app for 311 Sarasota County, and follow the county on Facebook and Instagram. Schools have reopened.‍
• ‍Suwannee County – To get information on disaster recovery resources from county, state, and federal sources, visit the county’s storm recovery page. Follow the county on its Facebook page.‍  Suwannee County Schools will reopen on 10/2/2024.‍
• ‍Taylor County – For information on the county’s emergency management plan visit the county website. Visit the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page to get updates on the storm  and steps for getting support for hurricane recovery.  Taylor County Schools will reopen on 10/2/2024.‍
• ‍Wakulla County - Wakulla County’s Sheriff’s Office manages emergency management services.  Information on preparing for hurricanes and signing up for storm alerts can be found on their website. You can also follow them on Facebook. Wakulla County Schools have reopened.