FEMA activates temporary sheltering assistance

LARGO, Fla. (WFLA) — Hope Wyant is one of many in Pinellas County approved for FEMA’s Temporary Sheltering Assistance program.

She was notified through a text message.

“It told me that there was going to be a hotel available for me and up to four of my family members,” Wyant said.

Wyant is also a business owner and commissioner, who spends her time collecting donations and funds for people impacted by the storms.

Now that she has the assistance program as an option for her family, that can foot the bill for a hotel, taxes, and pet fees for up to 90 days.

“I just got that notice and that was from Helene,” Wyant said.

Since Helene, most neighbors on Indian Rocks Beach have been forced to live somewhere else.

“Most of them went to stay with friends inland. We have people bunking up with people who live on higher ground. It has been really hard,” Wyant said.

Suzzan Eways has been displaced since Helene.

“I’ve been renting over at neighbor’s house because it’s close by and watch the contractors, but everything is coming out of my pocket at this point,” Eways said.

But a text Thursday night from FEMA gave Eways a bit of hope.

“It told me to check into housing,” Eways said.

FEMA’s website admits some survivors may need to travel far to find a hotel and for those already paying for a place, keep the receipts, since FEMA says coverage is not retroactive, but it remains unclear if people impacted can be reimbursed.

To be considered for assistance, the first step is to apply for FEMA help altogether.

Rob Patterson helps coordinate FEMA resources in Tampa Bay.

“Denial is totally based on your individual circumstance and it may be simply, we need more information,” Patterson said.

Patterson also said FEMA works with state and local governments to see if people can get any other assistance.

“Our case managers are absolutely trained to do everything they can to find where and which lane will get you the most assistance in the most ways possible,” Patterson said.

As for Wyant, she knows any sort of help makes a big difference to try to protect her small community.

“If we don’t get the help that we need, I fear for how many residents we are going to lose,” Wyant said.

Here’s more information about the program: Transitional Sheltering Assistance | FEMA.gov

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.