1. Emergency Assistance and Shelters
- FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
- Website: www.disasterassistance.gov
- Assistance for disaster relief, grants, and housing repairs. Homeowners can apply for disaster assistance here.
- American Red Cross
- Website: www.redcross.org
- Offers emergency shelters, food, and financial assistance for displaced families.
- Sarasota County Emergency Management
- Website: www.scgov.net
- Provides local emergency updates, shelter locations, and disaster response resources.
- Manatee County Emergency Management
- Website: www.mymanatee.org
- County-specific emergency alerts, shelter info, and resources for disaster recovery.
2. Home Repairs and Inspections
- Rebuild Florida (Department of Economic Opportunity)
- Website: www.rebuildflorida.gov
- Provides grants and repair assistance for homeowners affected by hurricanes and major disasters.
- Habitat for Humanity Sarasota
- Website: www.habitatsrq.org
- Offers assistance with critical home repairs for low-income homeowners affected by natural disasters.
- Licensed Local Contractors
- My Safe Florida Home: A Florida state program offering free wind mitigation inspections and matching grants for home improvements to make homes hurricane-resistant.
- Website: www.mysafefloridahome.com
- Licensed Local HVAC & Plumbing Contractor
- Arctic Air Home Services is providing free service calls to residents affected by Hurricane Helene.
- Schedule a free service call: 941-202-6887
3. Insurance and Financial Assistance
- Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR)
- Website: www.floir.com
- Provides guidance on filing insurance claims and finding insurance adjusters after hurricane damage.
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
- Website: www.floridajobs.org
- Financial assistance for those who lost employment or have been unable to work due to the hurricane.
- SBA Disaster Loans (Small Business Administration)
- Website: www.sba.gov/disaster
- Low-interest loans for homeowners to repair or replace damaged property.
4. Utilities and Essential Services
- FPL (Florida Power & Light)
- Website: www.fpl.com/storm
- Power outage updates, safety tips, and restoration timelines.
- Sarasota County Utilities
- Website: www.scgov.net/government/utilities
- Updates on water services, boil water notices, and wastewater systems.
- Manatee County Utilities
- Website: www.mymanatee.org/utilities
- Information on water, sewer, and power services post-hurricane.
5. Debris Removal and Waste Services
- Sarasota County Solid Waste Management
- Website: www.scgov.net
- Information on debris removal schedules, proper disposal methods, and post-storm clean-up efforts.
- Manatee County Waste Management
- Website: www.mymanatee.org/departments/public_works/solid_waste
- Guidelines for hurricane debris collection and waste disposal services.
6. Local Aid and Community Support
- United Way Suncoast
- Website: www.unitedwaysuncoast.org
- Offers disaster recovery funds and community support for Sarasota and Manatee residents.
- Salvation Army of Sarasota County
- Website: www.salvationarmyflorida.org/sarasota
- Provides food, shelter, and other disaster-related services.
7. Mental Health and Counseling
- Florida Disaster Distress Helpline
- Phone: 1-800-985-5990
- Free and confidential crisis counseling available for anyone dealing with hurricane-related stress.
- Suncoast Center for Independent Living (SCIL)
- Website: www.scil4u.org
- Provides mental health resources and services for people affected by the storm.
8. Legal Assistance
- Florida Bar Association – Disaster Legal Services
- Website: www.floridabar.org
- Offers free legal help for low-income individuals dealing with insurance disputes, landlord/tenant issues, and more after the hurricane.
- Bay Area Legal Services
- Website: www.bals.org
- Provides legal services and assistance to residents affected by disasters in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
These resources can help Sarasota and Manatee County homeowners recover from the effects of Hurricane Helene and ensure a smoother transition back to normalcy.