10/04/2022
FYI, valuable information on disaster recovery assistance from Bay Area Legal Services.
In the wake of , Bay Area Legal Services has re-opened, prepared to help our community rebuild. We assist disaster survivors in the Tampa Bay area with disaster-related legal and social need problems such as insurance denials, contractor issues, consumer and debt problems, housing issues, advance directives, and other legal and social need matters. Visit the Disaster Relief page on our website, www.bals.org, or call us at (800) 625-2257 for more information.
Below is a list of additional helpful information for those recovering from the events of last week:
🟦 The Disaster Distress Helpline offers crisis counseling for people in distress related to the disaster. Call 1(800) 985-5990 to speak with a counselor at any time, 24/7.
🟦 For those looking for assistance with debris removal or other damage, Crisis Cleanup is offering free services. Their hotline is (800) 451-1954. More information located in the attached graphic.
🟦 FEMA has opened up applications for Individual Assistance in our area. FEMA can help eligible disaster survivors with lodging expense reimbursement, major repairs, and rental assistance for temporary housing. Learn about your eligibility and apply at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/address-lookup?isMap=false&address=Florida.
🟦 Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to Florida business and residents in FEMA disaster-declared counties whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Ian and are not eligible for regular state or Federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Learn more about filing a claim at http://floridajobs.org/.
🟦 Florida Department of Financial Services will be setting up two insurance villages to assist consumer with insurance claims and other needs. The villages will be located in Charlotte and Lee counties. Find more information at https://www.myfloridacfo.com/Division/Consumers/HurricaneIan.htm.
🟦 Lastly, Florida has been approved for Clean and Sanitize Assistance (CSA) for qualifying Individual Assistance recipients, including renters. Eligibility information can be found at https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/financial-help-cleaning-after-disaster-or-making-your-home-accessible, located half-way down the page.
