The Federal Emergency Management Agency has opened three Disaster Recovery Centers in Hillsborough, Manatee, and Sarasota counties as Florida’s Gulf coast grapples with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
President Joe Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Florida, which opens up federal assistance to affected counties: Including Hillsborough, Manatee , and Sarasota .
Officials at the DRC locations can help victims of Helene apply for federal recovery assistance and inform them about available recovery resources. A FEMA spokesperson told the Herald-Tribune that interpretation services and translated materials are available at the sites.
“FEMA assistance in Florida and North Carolina may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies,” a press release said. “Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.”
Where are the FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Sarasota and Manatee counties?
The Sarasota Disaster Recovery Center is at the Sarasota Christian Church, 2923 Ashton Rd., and is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.
The Manatee County center is at the Lakewood Ranch Library in Bradenton, 16410 Rangeland Parkway, and is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day.
The Hillsborough County center is at Hillsborough Community College’s Riverview campus, 6437 Watson Rd., and is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.
“These centers can help Floridians affected by both Hurricane Debby and Hurricane Helene,” FEMA said in a Monday press release.
How can people apply for Hurricane Helene FEMA assistance online?
FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams have also gone door to door to register residents for disaster assistance.
Storm-affected residents can apply for federal disaster assistance online or by calling (800) 621-3362. Applicants need a phone number, a residential address, a social security number, a general list of damages and losses, and, if insured, policy information.
Where are Florida Division of Emergency Management Point of Distribution sites in Sarasota?
The Florida Division of Emergency Management has also opened four Point of Distribution Sites in Sarasota County, which will operate through Wednesday:
- Siesta Key : Glebe Park (1000 Glebe Lane)
- Nokomis Beach (100 S. Casey Key Road)
- Venice Community Center (326 Nokomis Ave. S.)
- Englewood: Manasota Beach (8570 Manasota Key Road)
The FDEM sites will have food, water, tarps and other resources available for local residents.
How can Sarasota-Manatee businesses affected by Hurricane Helene get assistance?
Local authorities also said residents whose properties and businesses were affected by the storm are able to apply for a low-interest disaster loan through the U.S. Small Business Administration.
FloridaCommerce also operates a Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program with relief up to $50,000. The application deadline is Nov. 24.
“Eligible Floridians whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Helene are encouraged to submit…” Sarasota County said in a statement.
Other Hurricane Helene assistance resources for Sarasota and Manatee counties
FDEM also referred victims of Hurricane Helene to several hotlines:
- Disaster Legal Hotline: (833) 514-2940
- Red Cross Hotline: (1-800) 733-2767
- Crisis Cleanup: (844) 965-1386
- State Assistance Information Line: (1-800) 342-3557
- To find temporary shelter: 211
Those who receive relief from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and lost food due to Hurricane Helene can apply for replacement food by Oct. 6. Recipients in Charlotte, Hillsborough Manatee and Sarasota counties must provide documentation that they lost power for more than four hours.
Christian Casale covers local government for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Email him at ccasale@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @vanityhack
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: FEMA opens disaster recovery centers in Manatee, Sarasota and Hillsborough counties
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