Here is an important list of resources. If you are a real estate agent in Florida, please pass this on to your sphere of influence, past and current customers, and post to your social media platforms. If you are a Florida resident, or know someone who is, please ask them to pass this along to those who do need help.
I am amazed at the level of local and neighbor to neighbor help and support during this aftermath, a huge gigantic clean up!
We were all boarded up and were spared damage. We lost our power and it was restored 4 days later.
Many people are still without power. We are all still in clean up mode.
There were over 20 million people without power in Florida alone after Hurricane Irma.
20,000 Utility workers from other states came to our aid, from states as far away as Minnesota and Colorado. Workers even came down from Canada.
This is the LARGEST power restoration project EVER in the history of the United States. Let that sink in for a moment! A huge project.
Here is the important list of phone numbers and the different assistant services available:
Remember to check out local charities and churches. There are a lot of food banks helping and other services.
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
If you need emergency help call 9-1-1.
HELP FOR SENIORS
If you know of a senior who needs assistance call 9-1-1 and contact the Florida Department of Elder Affairs hotline at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337). To report elder abuse, call 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873).
BASIC SUPPLIES
If you need supplies, such as food, water, or ice, please contact your county emergency management at: http://www.floridadisaster.org/fl_county_em.asp or by phone at (850) 815-4001 for the location of the nearest distribution center. Your county emergency management can provide up–to-date information about shelters and local distribution centers for food and supplies.
FEMA ASSISTANCE
Floridians affected by Hurricane Irma should apply for assistance with FEMA as soon as their county is granted Individual Assistance. Financial help and direct services may be available from FEMA for clean-up, temporary housing, medical, moving expenses, and more.
To apply visit: www.disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) TTY: 1-800-462-7585. For a list of counties approved for Individual Assistance visit: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4337#.
HELP FOR VETERANS
Veterans needing assistance or medication can contact the Veteran Disaster Hotline at 1-800-507-4571 or go to any VA medical facility for assistance.
DIALYSIS
To find a dialysis center in your area visit: http://www.dialysisunits.com/. Patients of DaVita Dialysis may contact 1-800-400-8331 to find the nearest Dialysis Center.
MENTAL HEALTH
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress please call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained counselor. You may also visit: http://bit.ly/2vH2Hucfor more information about managing stress after a disaster and talking with children about traumatic events.
TAX RELIEF
Floridians in counties granted Individual Assistance may be eligible for tax relief from the IRS. To learn more about IRS assistance for victims of Hurricane Irma visit: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/help-for-victims-of-hurricane-irma.
DISASTER RECOVERY LOANS
The U.S. Small Business Administration is providing various disaster loans to qualifying Floridians in several counties. For more information about SBA disaster loans visit: https://www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance/hurricane-irma.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides loans and assistance to qualifying individuals, businesses, and communities after disasters. For more information visit: https://www.usda.gov/topics/disaster/storms, or contact the USDA office in Florida at: (352) 338-3400.
DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
Floridians who are unemployed as a result of the disaster are encouraged to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) through the U.S. Department of Labor. For additional information about DUA visit: https://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/disaster.asp or contact the U.S. Department of Labor by phone at 1-866-487-2365.
MORTGAGE RELIEF
To find out if you qualify for temporary mortgage relief such as a suspension of mortgage payments for up to 12 months, or suspension of late fees, visit the Freddie Mac website at: http://www.freddiemac.com/about/hurricane-relief.html. For additional information visit the Fannie Mae website at: http://www.fanniemae.com/portal/about-fm/hurricane-relief.html or by phone at 1-800-2FANNIE (800-232-6643).
HURRICANE RESPONSE HIRING
The U.S. Small Business Administration is hiring a variety of temporary positions located throughout Florida now through December 31, 2017. For more information visit: https://www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance/hurricane-response-jobs-sba#section-header-4
ADDITION ASSISTANCE
For in-person assistance with storm related questions, or to apply for benefits you may visit your local FEMA Disaster Recovery Center. For a list of Centers in your area visit: http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm
Photo courtesy of Weather.com
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