TAMPA, Fla. — Hurricane Helene is being blamed for more than 50 deaths and billions of dollars in destruction across the southeast U.S.
Resources are available for those affected by the storm including help with medical care, food and other needs.
The below information is from Governor Ron DeSantis's office:
Resources for cleanup help
- Samaritan's Purse hotline: 1-833-747-1234 for free assistance for homeowners affected by the disaster. Volunteers may be able to assist with the removal of personal property and furniture, flood cleanup, sanitizing with shockwave treatment, chainsaw work and debris clean-up, and temporary roof tarping.
- 2-1-1 is open and ready to receive calls. Residents can be connected with resources that can help with food, cleanup and more.
- Red Cross Hotline is open to assist: 1-800-Red Cross
- Florida Baptists Disaster Relief Public Assistance: 904-253-0502 or text Helene to 27123. Free Assistance for homeowners affected by the disaster. Volunteers may be able to assist with storm debris cleanup, temporary roof tarping, Chainsaw work, and muckouts.
- Crisis Cleanup number: 844-965-1386
- Disaster Legal Hotline is open to assist and refer callers: 833-514-2940
- The Florida Disaster Contractors Network has been activated to connect homeowners with licensed contractors and suppliers to perform emergency repairs. DBPR encourages Florida’s licensed contractors who provide post-storm construction-related services to register with its Florida Disaster Contractors Network at DCNOnline.org.
- Lowes has deployed their Tool Rental Truck to assist in recovery efforts providing a rental option for power tools from chainsaws and pressure washers, to fence post augers and compressors. The truck is also staffed with small engine mechanics to support local communities with power.
- FloridaCommerce 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. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Helene's recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses. Businesses can complete the survey online by visiting FloridaDisaster.biz and selecting “Hurricane Helene” from the dropdown menu.
Food, health and other resources
- The HOPE LINE is available to assist those in need of resources or other assistance after the storm. It is now available 24/7 for the next two-plus weeks at 833-GET-HOPE.
- Activate Hope has been deployed to help connect Floridians impacted by the storm with needed resources like food, supplies, home repairs, and more. Serving as the emergency response component of the Hope Florida initiative, Activate Hope connects the private sector, nonprofits, and government to help Floridians get back on their feet following a natural disaster. Fill out the form here to get help.
- FloridaCommerce and the Florida Department of Children and Families will be distributing supplies and providing resources to families and businesses in Madison County at the Bridge Church, Pasco County at the South Holiday Library, Manatee County at the State College of Florida Bradenton Campus and Taylor County at Taylor County Middle School, Sunday from 12 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) The VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center is operational 24/7/365 for virtual care and tele-emergency care and support to Veterans enrolled for VA Health Care in Florida. 1-877-741-3400. Click here for more information.
- Spectrum announced it will help residents stay connected after Hurricane Helene by offering free, unlimited access to Spectrum WiFi access points in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. For locations, click here.
- The Wawa Community Care Coffee Truck has been deployed to Taylor County, providing free coffee and water to residents impacted by the storm.
-------------------------------------------------------------
