Disaster Recovery Resources for Residents & Businesses

Hurricane Disaster Recovery Resources

• FEMA assistance is now available to Pinellas County residents who experienced damages/losses due to Hurricane Helene. Disaster assistance may include financial help for temporary lodging, basic home repairs and other disaster-caused expenses. Eligible residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA app, or by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

• The Disaster Distress Helpline is open and provides 24/7 toll-free, multilingual disaster crisis counseling for anyone experiencing emotional distress related to disasters. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.

• Residents who need help cleaning up damage can request assistance through the Crisis Cleanup at (844) 965-1386 or by visiting crisiscleanup.org. Local voluntary relief organizations will respond to these requests.

• Residents needing disaster assistance, including cleanup kits, can contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).  

• HOPE Florida is assisting residents with unmet needs. The HOPE Line can be reached at 1-833-GET-HOPE (1-833-438-4673) or at hopeflorida.com.
• Feeding Tampa Bay is offering food pantries and food distribution events in Pinellas County for residents impacted by Hurricane Helene. The latest information can be found at disaster.pinellas.gov

Disaster Assistance for Businesses

• Florida Commerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Helene. Business owners can self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Businesses can complete the survey online by visiting https://floridadisaster.biz/Respond/BusinessDamageAssessmentsSurvey and selecting “Hurricane Helene” from the dropdown menu.
• Florida Commerce activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $15 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. Florida small business owners in need of assistance are encouraged to visit  FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. Businesses in Pinellas County, including sole proprietors, are eligible to apply.