Community in the Know

Assistance still available for hurricane-affected households

In the aftermath of Hurricanes Ian and Idalia that swept through Charlotte County, households still grappling with the impact of these disasters may be eligible for local disaster assistance. The first crucial step towards accessing aid is completing the Long-Term Recovery Assistance Application, available at www.coadfl.org . This application serves as the gateway to determining eligibility for financial assistance, home repair aid or case management. The overarching objective is to connect affected households with the necessary resources and services available in the community, addressing unmet needs that persist.

For those seeking home repair assistance, eligibility is contingent upon the unmet needs significantly affecting the safety and functionality of the dwelling. The COAD is currently prioritizing those who are:

• Low income (80% of the area median income)

• Head of household aged 60-plus

• Displaced homeowners and renters

• Persons with disabling conditions

Household eligibility is evaluated based on income, size and other relevant factors. For instance, a single-person household with an annual income of up to $40,600 remains income eligible, while a two-person household can have an annual income of up to $46,400.

“We know that many households are still struggling to recover from the hurricanes that hit Charlotte County in 2022 and 2023,” said Long-Term Recovery Director Deb Houck. “We want to reach people who still have needs and direct them to resources that might be available to help them.”

Individuals are encouraged to apply online at www.coadfl.org to initiate the application process. Additionally, those needing assistance can contact Gulf Coast Partnership’s Long-Term Recovery Department at 941-769-5162 or email LTR@gulfcoastpartnership.org .

COAD is a group of Charlotte County community organizations working together to provide coordination of services to ensure that unmet needs are addressed, provide financial assistance and supplies, and share knowledge and resources with Charlotte County residents during a disaster. COAD members include faith-based entities, nonprofits, volunteer groups and government agencies.

Spring vegetable gardening workshop offered

A spring vegetable gardening workshop is scheduled from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Feb. 17, at Centennial Park Recreation Center, 1120 Centennial Blvd., Port Charlotte. This program is sponsored by UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County. The workshop will cover the basics of vegetable gardening, pest and diseases.

There is a $5 fee to cover the cost of materials. Register on Eventbrite at svgw24.eventbrite.com or contact Holly Bates at 941-764-4340 or Holly.Bates@charlottecountyfl.gov .

Water and wastewater facility tours scheduled

The Charlotte County Utilities Department is offering tours of three facilities to give citizens a behind-the-scenes look at the process involved in providing water and wastewater treatment and reclamation services to the community.

Tours are offered 10 a.m.-noon on the following dates and locations (subject to change):

• Tuesday, Feb. 27, at Burnt Store Water Treatment and Reclamation Facility, 17430 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda.

• Wednesday, March 13, at West Port Water Reclamation Facility, 15005 Cattle Dock Point Road, Port Charlotte.

• Wednesday, April 17, at Rotonda Water Reclamation Facility, 3740 Kendall Road, Rotonda West.

Visitors will learn about the water reclamation process, observe treatment plant operators in action and learn about the transport, processing and disposal of biosolids. Attendees visiting the Burnt Store facility will be able to view the operations of both a water treatment plant (reverse osmosis) as well as a water reclamation facility.

Tour capacity is limited, and seats must be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Tour guests are asked to wear closed-toed shoes and be prepared to participate in a walking tour, mostly outdoors.

To request a reservation, email CCUPR@CharlotteCountyFL.gov or call 941-764-4304. ¦

The post Community in the Know first appeared on Charlotte County Florida Weekly .