Hurricane recovery resources in Tampa Bay

TAMPA BAY, Fl (BLOOM) – After the impact of Hurricane Milton, Tampa Bay residents are now focusing on recovery and rebuilding. Figuring out where to start can be overwhelming, so we’ve compiled a list of resources to help you during this time. Whether you need help finding shelter, food, financial aid, or mental health support, these resources are here for you.

General help

HurricaneHelpFlorida.org is one stop shop for help after hurricanes

Housing and Shelter Assistance

• FEMA Individual Assistance : For those whose homes were damaged or destroyed, FEMA provides housing assistance for repairs and temporary shelter. Visit disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
• American Red Cross : The Red Cross offers emergency shelters for those displaced by the hurricane. Find a nearby shelter by visiting redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
• Local Shelters and Evacuation Centers : The Tampa Bay area has opened several local shelters to assist those displaced. Check the local government website for updated shelter information.

Food and Water Resources

• Feeding Tampa Bay : Providing food assistance throughout the region, Feeding Tampa Bay has set up mobile pantries to serve those in need after the hurricane. Find a pantry near you at feedingtampabay.org .
• Salvation Army : The Salvation Army offers meals, bottled water, and essential supplies to those affected. Check their locations and services at salvationarmyusa.org .
• Water Distribution Centers : County governments are operating water distribution centers across the Tampa Bay area. Visit individual county websites for more details.

Financial Assistance

• Florida Disaster Fund : This state-run fund provides financial assistance to Floridians impacted by natural disasters. You can apply for help or donate to help others at volunteerflorida.org .
• United Way Suncoast : The United Way is offering emergency financial assistance and coordinating community support efforts. Call 2-1-1 or visit unitedwaysuncoast.org for more information.
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance : If you lost your job or cannot work because of the hurricane, you might be eligible for disaster unemployment assistance. Apply at floridajobs.org .

Mental Health and Emotional Support

• Disaster Distress Helpline : Experiencing emotional distress due to the hurricane is normal. The Disaster Distress Helpline offers 24/7 counseling and support. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746.
• Crisis Center of Tampa Bay : The Crisis Center offers mental health resources and counseling to those struggling during recovery. Call 2-1-1 or visit crisiscenter.com .

Cleanup and Debris Removal

• Crisis Cleanup Hotline : If you need help removing debris or cleaning up your home, the Crisis Cleanup Hotline can connect you with volunteer groups. Call 1-800-451-1954 for assistance.
• https://floridahelp.live/ to request volunteers.
• Local Waste Management : Many local governments have set up special debris removal schedules. Visit your county or city’s official website for information on curbside pickup schedules and requirements.

Utility and Power Restoration

• TECO : If you’re experiencing a power outage, TECO customers can call 1-877-588-1010 or visit tecoenergy.com .

Duke Energy : Duke Energy customers can call 1-800-228-8485 or visit duke-energy.com .

• Water and Sewer Services : Some areas may experience disruptions to water and sewer services. Visit your county’s official utility service website for updates and assistance.

Pet Resources

• Humane Society of Tampa Bay : The Humane Society provides temporary pet shelter, food, and medical assistance for pets affected by the hurricane. Visit humanesocietytampa.org for more information.
• Pet-Friendly Shelters : Several shelters allow pets during emergencies. Check your local government’s website for a list of pet-friendly shelter locations.

Important Hotline Resources

• Milton Cleanup Hotline : Call 844-965-1386 for assistance with post-hurricane cleanup efforts.
• Florida Emergency Hotline : For statewide emergency assistance, call 1-800-342-3557.
• Disaster Distress Helpline : If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to 1-800-985-5990 for emotional support.
• FEMA Registration : To register for federal disaster assistance, call 1-800-621-3362.
• Habitat for Humanity : For rebuilding and home repair assistance, contact Habitat for Humanity at 813-239-2248.
• American Lung Association : Helpline staffed by respiratory therapists and nurses (1-800-586-4872.

Hillsborough County Damage Reporting and Resources

• Hurricane Milton Damage Reporting Form : Hillsborough County is urging residents to report storm damage to help officials assess the situation and connect residents with resources. Residential property owners, including homeowners, agricultural property owners, nonprofits, and houses of worship, can report property loss or damage by visiting HCFL.gov/DamageAssessment . The information will be routed to the appropriate department, and responses will be provided within 72 hours.
• Assistance Completing the Damage Reporting Form : If you need help completing the damage reporting form, call (833) HC STORM or (833) 427-8676 for assistance.
• HCFL Alert System : Stay informed by signing up for HCFL Alert, Hillsborough County’s official public notification system for emergency alerts. Register to receive messages via email, phone, or text by visiting HCFL.gov/HCFLAlert . For the latest emergency information, visit HCFL.gov/StaySafe or call the storm information helpline at (833) 427-8676.
• Note : Completing this form does not replace homeowner’s insurance claims nor is it a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) application. To apply for FEMA assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov .

Pinellas County Post-Hurricane Assistance

• Volunteer and Donation Information : Pinellas County encourages those wanting to help to make a monetary donation or sign up to volunteer through Volunteer Connect. Visit volunteerflorida.org/volunteerconnect to register as a volunteer with local nonprofits.
• Donation Guidelines : The most effective way to help is by donating money to non-profit organizations such as the Salvation Army or the Red Cross, which use donations to meet specific community needs. Verify charity details through Check-A-Charity or call (800) HELP-FLA (435-7352). You can also donate to the Florida Disaster Fund at Volunteer Florida .
• Avoid Material Donations : Do not bring material donations into the area without making prior arrangements with an agency, as there are currently no collection centers open. For updates, visit disaster.pinellas.gov .
• Volunteer Registration : To volunteer, you must register and receive an assignment through Volunteer Connect. Visit volunteerflorida.org/volunteerconnect . Avoid self-deployment, as volunteers are responsible for their lodging, meals, and expenses.
• Stay Updated : For the latest updates on recovery efforts, visit disaster.pinellas.gov , follow @PinellasGov on Facebook, and @PinellasGov on X (formerly Twitter) using #PCMilton.

Additional Community Resources

• Local Libraries : Libraries are offering free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and cool air for those without power. Visit your nearest library for a place to recharge.
• Volunteer Opportunities : If you’re looking to help, many organizations are seeking volunteers to assist with food distribution, debris cleanup, and more. Check out volunteerflorida.org Or https://floridahelp.live/ for opportunities to make a difference.

Recovery after a hurricane can be long and challenging, but the Tampa Bay community is resilient. Remember, every small step counts. Use these resources, share them with neighbors, and let’s work together to rebuild stronger. Stay informed, stay safe, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

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