Hurricane Relief Resources
We hope you and your loved ones are safe after Central Florida’s historic flooding, power outages, water safety issues and more in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Whether you need help or want to help others, the following contains local, state, and federal resources to apply for assistance, to find volunteer opportunities, or to donate to recovery efforts in our area.
Together we will rebuild our community.
For Assistance:
Orange and Osceola County, Florida survivors of Hurricane Ian can apply for federal assistance at: http://www.disasterassistance.gov/, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or by using the FEMA App. Survivors using a relay service, such as a video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, can give the FEMA operator the number for that service. Here is a video on how to apply for assistance.
For more information on what is covered under FEMA, please visit: https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/what-kind-assistance-can-fema-provide-florida-hurricane-survivors and/or this brochure.
Orange County Resources: Emergency Information (orangecountyfl.net)
Osceola County Resources: County News (osceola.org)
Small Business Administration disaster loans are available to businesses, homeowners, renters, and nonprofit organizations in some Florida counties. Applicants may apply at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov under declaration #17644. For help, call 800-659-2955 or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.
Mental health resources are available. Survivors experiencing emotional distress can call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990. The national hotline provides free 24/7, crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. Deaf and hard of hearing ASL callers can use a videophone or ASL Now.
State and federal officials have made it easier for storm victims to apply for unemployment aid. Work search reporting, waiting week and registration requirements for Reemployment Assistance claims have been temporarily waived in the counties declared disasters.
To Volunteer:
Heart of Florida United Way: Disaster Response Team: SIGN UP
Volunteer Florida: Hurricane Ian Volunteer Opportunities: SIGN UP
To Donate to Help Central Florida:
Heart of Florida United Way Recovery Fund: Every dollar received will help residents in Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties who need assistance recovering from the storm: DONATE NOW
