Residents in Pinellas County, Fla. (WFLA) can expect more assistance as they continue to rebuild from last year’s consecutive hurricanes.
Hundreds of millions of dollars in new programs to help homeowners and renters recover will be available starting Monday, Oct. 20.
People can apply online through the county’s website, call, or go in-person to see a case manager.
The support programs aim to aid individuals working to repair homes and recover financially following Hurricanes Helene, Milton, and Idalia.
“We’re hoping to get money in people’s hands by Christmas,” said Brian Scott, Pinellas County Commission Chair.
Thanks to $813 million in HUD grants, the county’s answer to help is the five new programs:
- Homeowner Rehabilitation/Reconstruction: includes up to $375,000 in repairs and rehabilitation that have not occurred on the property, including replacing the home.
- Homeowner Reimbursement: get reimbursed for repairs or reconstruction work that has already been completed.
- Disaster Relief Reimbursement: get reimbursed for disaster-related expenses for residential needs like rent, mortgage, or utilities.
- Local Landlord Program: The county will provide support to landlords to repair or rebuild their rental properties.
- Homebuyer Assistance: up to $80,000 in homeowner assistance for any applicant who does not currently own a home or property.
Authorities emphasize these grant funds are intended to cover costs not fully addressed by insurance. Even those who have already received some FENA or Elevate Florida aid may still qualify for further assistance through these initiatives.
“Each applicant will undergo a duplication of benefits review,” explained Matthew Spoor, Assistant County Administrator. “We’ll evaluate any other funding sources they have received, which will influence the amount they can obtain from HUD via Pinellas County.”
Officials anticipate these grants will significantly boost the local economy, primarily benefiting residents affected by home damage as well as those with low to moderate income levels.
“Our goal is to quickly distribute funds to those in urgent need. However, we’ll also have programs for businesses, non-profits, and allocate 15% for resiliency infrastructure projects,” noted Scott.
These five People First Hurricane Recovery Programs are available to everyone in the county, minus residents in St. Pete, because they are rolling out their own programs.
For more on the County’s People First Programs, click here.
