Hurricane Ian Recovery Resources
Resources To Help Your Business Get Back On It’s Feet
Institute For Sustainable Developement
Our Hurricane Recovery Help Desk: https://www.isdus.org/copy-of-hurricanes-2 is now active. What we have found in past disaster recoveries is that there are a wide range of grants, loans, procurement opportunities, discounts, etc. but that people who are the hardest hit are not aware of them or do not how to access them. We provide both research and technical assistance for small businesses and the chambers and business organizations that support them.
FEMA Approves $40 Million for Hurricane Ian Debris Removal in Fort Myers Beach, North Port
FEMA Public Assistance has approved grants totaling $40.1 million for Hurricane Ian debris removal in Fort Myers Beach and North Port.
Ian Relief Supply Distribution Center: New Hours
Location: 820 Buttonwood, Fort Myers Beach 33931.
Schedule
- Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 9am to 5pm
- Weds: 9am to 7pm
- Sat and Sun: Closed
June 29 is Deadline for Small Businesses to Apply for SBA Working Capital Disaster Loans Due to Hurricane Ian
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) encourages small businesses in Florida with economic losses due to Hurricane Ian that occurred from Sept. 23 through Nov. 4, 2022, to apply for working capital disaster loans before the June 29 deadline.
FEMA Experts Now Offering Rebuilding Tips in Charlotte, DeSoto and Lee Counties
FEMA continues to add sites to its roster of locations offering free mitigation advice. As part of a continued effort to help Floridians rebuild from Hurricane Nicole and Hurricane Ian, FEMA will offer free advice in Charlotte, DeSoto and Lee Counties starting March 30. The information will focus on how to rebuild stronger and safer against storms.
Flood Insurance and the Increased Cost of Compliance – How it Helps
If you have a policy with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and your home was damaged extensively by Hurricanes Ian or Nicole, you may qualify for additional coverage under your policy.
SHIP-DR Homeowner Insurance Deductible Assistance
Equal Housing Opportunity Florida Housing Finance Corporation awarded Lee County funding to help residents impacted by Hurricane Ian pay their home insurance deductibles.
Hurricanes Ian & Nicole Federal And Philanthropic Recovery Resource Report
This very helpful PDF has a comprehensive listing of:
Federal Resources
Philanthropic & Other Financial Resources
Technical Support Resources
Ian Updates From The Town of Fort Myers Beach
This contains extensive information on many helpful subjects for both residents and businesses on Fort Myers Beach. See it here.
Lee County Human & Veteran Services
New resources are available.
To access street outreach services, emergency shelter, rapid re-housing, or permanent supportive housing, call 239-533-7996. The number is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People also can visit the Homeless Resource Day Center at the Salvation Army, 2450 Edison Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33901.
HVS Reach App
Get assistance at your fingertips! Lee County Human and Veteran Services recently launched the HVS Reach app to provide easier access to information and resources for individuals facing homelessness. Search for HVS Reach in the Apple or Google Play store to download today.
Residents can find applications for help with rent, electric, water, housing rehabilitation and down-payment assistance. They can find their closest food pantry along with directions. There also is a schedule for mobile food pantries. People experiencing homelessness can sign up for push notifications for severe weather outreach, such as cold fronts this winter. The push notifications also help residents learn about events happening throughout the county for those in need of services.
Debris Removal
Lee County Debris Website
Lee County has launched a new Hurricane Ian debris website to better provide public information including about how debris should be separated, kept clear, and placed out.
You can find debris removal areas managed by Lee County, keep track of when collection passes will be made in your area, additional resources for state debris removal programs, information about commercial, private communities, municipalities, and marine debris, video updates, and the debris removal progress made to date.
To visit the website, go to www.leegov.com/debris.
Holiday Debris Removal
In the midst of all the chaos going on, Holiday Water Sports has decided to temporarily recreate ourselves! Introducing Holiday Debris Removal, LLC. We created this new company specifically to help keep our local beach employees employed. It is our mission to provide jobs for as many beach staff members as we can, for as long as we can. We can only succeed if the Fort Myers Beach residents and businesses hire our staff. We believe hiring local companies and keeping local residents employed during this time is absolutely essential to the future success of Fort Myers Beach. We are available to clean out houses and businesses and tear out drywall etc. We are not a demolition company, but will be happy to refer you to a great local company if you need that service. We can also refer excellent local building contractors. We have been in business on Fort Myers Beach for over 30 years. We have worked with some of the best resorts on the island and will continue to provide excellent customer service to our new customers. We are new to this job, but we are not new to running a good business! If you need our service, please call Sharon at 239-707-8261.
Curb Collection
Storm debris is collected separately from household garbage. Here are some tips.
- Most Important – Please set storm debris at the curb away from your normal household trash and recycling; it will be collected and documented separately.
- Place storm debris at the curb in three separate piles: garbage, yard waste and building debris. Federal Emergency Management Agency rules require documentation of the volume and type of debris collected to reimburse the county for storm cleanup.
- Garbage must be placed in a 40-gallon can or heavy mil plastic bag each weighing no more than 50 pounds. If you have a larger county-provided container for automated garbage collection, you may use that as well.
- Yard waste does not need to be bundled after the storm. Place it in piles that can easily be managed by collection personnel with a claw truck.
- To expedite collection, do not place anything beneath low-hanging obstacles like trees or power lines or near things like fire hydrants or mailboxes.
- Food must be removed from any appliance set at the curb. Inedible food should be placed with the garbage.
Legal Assistance
Florin Roebig Trial Attorneys
Hurricane Ian has left major damage across many areas of Florida near the Gulf of Mexico. Homeowners who have sustained property damage may need the help of the local law firm of Florin Roebig.
Legal Hurricane Claim Insurance Help
Chamber member and Fort Myers Beach resident attorney Monica Schmucker, along with one of her partners Peter Kamm, are litigation attorneys at Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. They are assisting Fort Myers Beach residents with insurance claims, helping guide clients through the claim process — everything from answering questions to filing a claim on your behalf, if necessary. They may be reached by email [email protected] or [email protected], or by phone at 239-344-1100. With over 55 attorneys, Henderson Franklin has served the legal needs and communities of Southwest Florida since 1924. To learn more, visit henlaw.com.
Free Legal Help Hotline
A free legal help hotline is now available for Hurricane Ian victims in the affected counties that include Polk. The hotline is available to connect residents to free legal services in qualifying counties that cannot afford an attorney. Residents can call (866) 550-2929 or click this link.
SCORE FREE Business Mentoring
It may feel overwhelming to get your business through a disaster, but don’t feel like you have to go it alone. SCORE is here to help. You can contact us to request a free business mentor that can help you assess your current position and work with you to develop a recovery plan.
Get your free mentor today at www.score.org/find-mentor or call 800-634-0245.
US Small Business Administration
Disaster Loans
Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to businesses and residents in Florida following the announcement of a Presidential disaster declaration due to Hurricane Ian.
Businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. For PNP’s the interest rate is 1.875 percent, with terms up to 30 years. Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements may include a safe room or storm shelter, sump pump or French drain to help protect property and occupants from future damage caused by a similar disaster. Even though the physical deadline was January 12, we remain in the area and centers remain open to provide help to those still trying to recover. Business owners have another deadline (June 29, 2023) to apply for working capital needs. There is a 14-day grace period for survivors to get in last minute physical damage applications (applicant must provide an explanation in writing as to why they missed the Jan. 12th deadline).
The SBA also offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to help meet working capital needs, such as ongoing operating expenses for PNP organizations. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the organization suffered any physical property damage.
PNP organizations are urged to contact their municipality’s Emergency Manager to provide information about their organization. The information will be submitted to FEMA to determine eligibility for a Public Assistance grant or whether the PNP should be referred to SBA for disaster loan assistance. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoanAssista
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://
Please refer also to this Fact Sheet and Disaster Loan Checklist. You may also find this SBA Hurricane Ian Disaster Business Recovery Webinar helpful.
FEMA
Applying For Assistance
Disaster victims can obtain additional information and apply for disaster assistance through FEMA in various ways. A toll-free number has been established by FEMA for disaster victims to apply for certain types of disaster programs and obtain information about others. You can obtain information by calling. Phone: (800) 621-FEMA (3362) – Website: www.fema.gov. You can also refer to this Q&A About FEMA Disaster Assistance or this webinar Hurricane Recovery Projects and Doing Business With FEMA.
Eight Tips for Appealing a FEMA Determination Letter
Weeks ago, you applied for federal disaster assistance. FEMA responded with a letter outlining the of types of assistance you are eligible or ineligible to receive. Read the letter carefully to understand FEMA’s decision and learn how to appeal if you disagree. Many times, FEMA just needs a document or other information to push your case forward.
Damaged Wells and Septic Systems
This fact sheet includes information on assistance available for wells and septic systems damaged by Hurricanes Nicole and Ian.
Direct Housing Assistance
FEMA has activated Direct Housing Assistance for households impacted by Ian in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto & Lee counties. FEMA will determine eligibility based on several factors.
Preparing Your Land For A Temporary Housing Unit
Site must be clear of debris and accessible
Must have electrical, water, and sewer service available on site
Select a spot that is compact, sturdy and has good drainage. If using a cement slab, make sure the surrounding ground is sloped away to allow the water to drain.
How to Apply for FEMA Assistance if Your Home is a Boat
If a boat was your primary residence before and during Hurricane Ian making landfall in Florida – and the boat sustained hurricane damage – FEMA may be able to help.
Begin your application online at DisasterAssistance.gov, visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Be ready to provide the physical and complete address of the dock or marina and the slip or mooring number, if the boat was not located on private property.
Transitional Sheltering Program
The state of Florida and FEMA have activated the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program for Hurricane Ian survivors in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia counties.
Survivors from these counties who have applied for disaster assistance may be eligible to shelter in a hotel or motel paid for by FEMA. They may be eligible for TSA if they cannot return to their home and their housing needs cannot be met by insurance, shelters or rental assistance provided by FEMA or another agency (federal, state or nonprofit).
FEMA Rental Properties
FEMA is seeking multi-family rental properties impacted by Hurricane Ian that potentially could be repaired and used as temporary housing for FEMA applicants. More information about the program is available here.
For questions on the program please contact Marvin Jennings ([email protected])
Privately Owned Access Routes.
This fact sheet includes information on FEMA assistance that may be available to repair privately owned access routes such as driveways, roads, bridges, and docks that were damaged by Hurricane Ian.
Reemployment Assistance and Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the work search reporting, waiting week, and Employ Florida registration requirements for Reemployment Assistance claims have been temporarily waived for Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian in FEMA disaster-declared counties. By waiving these requirements, eligible Floridians will be able to quickly apply and receive reemployment assistance and disaster unemployment assistance benefits.
Additionally, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to Florida businesses 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.
To file a claim, go to http://www.floridajobs.org and select “File a Claim” or call 1-800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time to assist claimants. For DUA claims information, call 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759) to speak with a representative.
Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Disaster Relief Fund
The FRLA Disaster Relief Fund is an initiative of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Educational Foundation. This initiative strives to provide economic relief to Florida’s independent restaurants, independent lodging establishments[1] and employees of these organizations who are financially needy or distressed from the impact of Hurricane Ian. The FRLA Disaster Relief Fund provides immediate financial support in the form of grants valued at up to $10,000 per independently owned restaurant or lodging location. A minimum of 1/3 (33%) of the support provided must be earmarked to support employees in financial need.
For the absence of doubt, an independent restaurant or lodging establishment is defined as a restaurant or lodging establishment [1] owned by a corporation, limited liability partnership, general partnerships, or sole proprietorship. Franchisees of national chains are eligible, but only if the owner owns no more than three (3) franchised locations. Independent restaurant and lodging chains do qualify for this grant. Only one application is required for all multi-unit operators.
Employment Assistance
CareerSource Southwest Florida
Career Source has funding available to provide temporary work for people who have lost their employment due to the Hurricane and would like to provide humanitarian aid, disaster clean, or restorations services for a non-profit organization or a municipality/government entities.
We pay competitive prevailing wages and provide worker’s compensation coverage.
Contact Bill Welch, Business Services Director 239-258-1385
WWelch@
FutureMakers Coalition
https://www.futuremakerscoalition.com/
Information on furthering your education to start or advance your career
Employment opportunities
Insurance Help And Resources
Insurance Helpline
The Division of Consumer Services can assist insurance customers in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Call 1-877-693-5236 from 9 am to 5 pm.
Following Governor DeSantis’ Emergency Order 22-256, OIR issued Emergency Order 302804-22 for Hurricane Nicole and Hurricane Ian. This order amends and supersedes Emergency Order 300997-22. A copy of the order is available here.
Having Insurance Issues?
The state of Florida Department of Financial Services has a consumer website where you can lodge your concerns. CLICK HERE to get more information.
Contractor lists for Town and State
Visit the Building Services page on the Town’s website.
Access the State of Florida’s Contractor List.
Access the Town of FMB’s contractor list.
Finding A Place To Live
Lee County Housing Resources Website
Lee County has launched a new landing page for housing resources at its Hurricane Ian website at www.leegov.com/storm.
Unite Florida Portal
Governor DeSantis announced the launch of the Unite Florida Recovery Portal to connect Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian to important recovery resources, including housing support.
Florida’s first-ever state-led sheltering and housing program is available through IanRecovery.fl.gov and provides temporary sheltering options — such as travel trailers and recreational vehicles — and temporary or permanent repairs for households whose needs are not met through insurance or FEMA’s Individual Assistance program. Residents impacted by Hurricane Ian can also access the Unite Florida Portal to report unmet needs such as transportation, household items and social services.
Hurricane Homes
HurricaneHomes.org is a team effort to help those affected by natural disasters. The site is created by real estate industry veterans to help those in their time of need.
The site works together with local Realtor® Associations and MLSs to identify housing that is immediately available to those displaced from their homes.
Airbnb And Expedia Resources For Accommodation
Airbnb
Airbnb has launched www.airbnb.com/
For displaced residents of Lee and Charlotte counties, Airbnb is also working with their nonprofit partners to offer vouchers for temporary housing at Airbnb properties. To learn more, click here.
Expedia
VISIT FLORIDA has activated its Emergency Accommodations Module with Expedia to provide real-time hotel availability throughout the state. This module is automatically populated from Florida inventory information provided to Expedia.
State Housing Initiatives Partnership
If your home sustained damage as a result of the storm, your local State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program office may have recovery assistance available to help with temporary relocation, rental assistance, debris removal, and/or home repairs. Please contact your local SHIP office directly for more information:
Florida Vacation Rentals – Beach Houses, Condos & More
Short term lodging for guests, recovery workers and adjusters, here you can find many furnished homes and condos available! Visit https://www.floridarentals.com/.
Family Resource Support Center
The Family Resource Support Center serves as a central hub for the community to access needed resources and supports. The Department has staff on site, including Hope Navigators, behavioral health partners who specialize in disaster recovery response, and public benefit eligibility specialists to help individuals and families. The Department will continue to work with local organizations and partners across the state to expand the array of resources that are available to help meet the needs of impacted families.
Sunshine Health – Lee County
4901 Palm Beach Boulevard , Suite 80
Fort Myers, Fl 33905
9am to 6pm
Mental Health Resources
Mental health resources for individuals and communities are available at MyFLFamilies.com/HurricaneIan. Floridians’ health and well-being are a top priority, and the Department of Children and Families is reminding individuals that they are not alone. All Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian can find someone to talk to today through the Disaster Distress Helpline by calling 800-985-5990.
Assignment of Benefits – Don’t Be A Victim
An Assignment of Benefits agreement gives a third party (roofer, building contractor etc.) authority to make repair decisions, collect insurance payments and sue an insurance company in your name without your knowledge, consent, or involvement.
Florida’s CFO Jimmy Patronis has provided the following sites to answer you questions about Assignment of Benefits (AOB). Please read before you SIGN ANYTHING!
AOB FAQ:
https://www.myfloridacfo.com/
AOB Brochure:
https://www.myfloridacfo.com/
AOB Consumer Tips and Red Flags:
https://www.myfloridacfo.com/
Points of Distribution For Food And Water
Lee County, along with state and federal partners, are opening Food & Water Points of Distribution (PODs) from 8am – 5pm daily for residents impacted by Hurricane Ian who need food and water. Learn more.
Also actively distributing food are