Helene - The Moreas

Hurricane Helene: Resources

Hurricane Helene impacted the Southeast United States between 9/24/2024-9/29/2024. _{Wikipedia Page}

Resources for those in Major Disaster Declaration Areas

ALL States under Major Disaster Declaration Areas are part of FEMA Region 4

State- FEMA #- Date of Declaration

NOAA/Hurricane Helene Imagery

Link to Website

Help for Individuals and Families:

Apply for Disaster Assistance
- You can also apply through the FEMA mobile app or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service.
  - After applying for assistance, your request is reviewed to determine if an inspection is needed to verify disaster-related damage to your home and personal property. FEMA staff and inspectors may contact you to discuss your disaster-caused damage.
  - FEMA may also request more information to support your eligibility for assistance or information related to your specific disaster-related needs identified in your application. If this is needed, you will receive a letter from FEMA outlining the information needed.
  - Learn More about what to expect from FEMA
  - You can apply for a FEMA Hotel Voucher at DisasterAssistance.gov as well
Contact your Insurance Company ASAP to file a claim. FEMA can only provide money after you get your insurance settlement.
- To file the claim, call your local insurance agent, the insurance company, visit them online, or visit them in person. Larger insurance companies often set up mobile claims centers following disasters.
- If your insurance doesn’t cover all of your home repair or rebuilding expenses, FEMA may be able to help.
- FEMA can’t provide money for expenses covered by insurance or duplicate benefits from another source. When you get your insurance settlement or denial, please send a copy to FEMA as soon as you can.
- If your insurance settlement is delayed more than 30 days from the time you file your claim, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
- United Way Tips for filing an insurance claim following a Major Disaster
  - A copy of your policy (in your essential and financial documents lock box)
  - An inventory of your home contents in your essential and financial documents lock box)
  - Before and after pictures of your property and the damage it has sustained
  - Receipts for any immediate repairs you had to make
  - Check for identification when adjustor comes to look at the damage. Keep in mind people prey on those after disasters.
If you DO NOT have Insurance
- FEMA will verify your disaster-caused losses. The agency will schedule a time to inspect your home if you reported damage to your home or personal property. Or FEMA will ask you to send documents to verify your expenses.
- You will receive notification letters from FEMA either by mail or electronic correspondence explaining your next steps. If necessary based on the losses you reported, an inspector will contact you by phone to schedule an inspection. If you miss the call, they will leave a voicemail message and make multiple attempts to reach you.
- The inspector should not need to view repair receipts or pictures of the damage. But if you begin cleaning up before the inspection, FEMA suggests you take pictures, make a list of your losses, and keep receipts for all of your disaster-caused expenses.
Contact Your Mortgage Servicer
- The company you pay monthly for your mortgage is your Servicer. Call them IMMEDIATELY if you are unable to pay existing mortgage because of the disaster. There are FHA Approved options for disaster victims available.
Contact a HUD Counselor.
- This list of Housing Counselors provided by HUD can provide assistance with disaster related issues. Call Toll Free: 800-569-4287 or visit the link provided.
Mortgage Options for Replacing or Rebuilding Your Home
- Coordinate with Mortgage Loan Officers like us. We can provide assistance on if you are eligible to received FHA 203(h) or 203(K) for rebuilding or replacing your home. (PMDA = Presidentially Declared Major Disaster Area)
  - The programs in place allow for 100% of borrowing of property value- no down payment required
  - Renters of residences in PDMDA are also eligible to use 203(h) mortgages to purchase homes.
  - The ability extends to purchasing ANYWHERE in the U.S. The replacement does not have to be in a PDMDA.
  - Resources:
    - 203h Program from HUD/FHA
    - 203k Program from HUD/FHA
Tips for Avoiding SCAMS.
- After a disaster, scammers often take advantage of vulnerable individuals and communities. Here are some tips to avoid being scammed during disaster recovery:
  - Verify Contractor Credentials
    - Licensed and Insured: Only hire contractors who are licensed and insured. Verify their license with your local or state licensing board.
    - Check References: Ask for and check references. Reputable contractors will have a history of work that can be verified.
    - Avoid Door-to-Door Contractors: Be wary of contractors who show up unannounced, offering services at a discount or pressuring you for immediate action.
  - Never Pay Upfront
    - Avoid Large Deposits: Reputable contractors do not require large upfront payments. Pay a reasonable deposit, and the rest upon completion of the work.
    - Use Secure Payment Methods: Avoid paying in cash. Instead, use checks or credit cards, which offer more security and traceability.
  - Get Written Estimates and Contracts
    - Multiple Quotes: Obtain at least three written estimates before hiring a contractor. Compare pricing and scope of work.
    - Detailed Contract: Ensure the contract includes details such as work to be done, materials, timeline, and costs. Do not sign anything until you fully understand it.
  - Beware of FEMA and Government Impersonators
    - Verify Credentials: Always verify the identity of government or FEMA representatives by asking for proper identification. FEMA will never charge for services.
    - Don’t Share Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive information such as your Social Security number unless you’re sure you’re dealing with an official representative.
  - Research Charities and Donations
    - Donate to Reputable Organizations: Scammers often create fake charities after a disaster. Use websites like Charity Navigator or GuideStar to research legitimate charities.
    - Beware of Pressure: Avoid organizations that pressure you into donating immediately. Take your time to research before giving.
  - Watch for Insurance Scams
    - Contact Your Insurer Directly: Avoid third parties who claim they can handle your insurance claim. Contact your insurance company directly to file claims.
    - Don’t Pay for Faster Service: Scammers may offer to expedite your insurance claim for a fee. Your insurance company does not charge for processing claims.
  - Watch for Phishing Scams
    - Verify Emails and Calls: Be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts, or phone calls asking for personal or financial information. Only respond to verified sources.
    - Look for Red Flags: Scammers often create websites or emails that look official but have misspellings, unusual URLs, or ask for personal information.
  - Report Suspicious Activity
    - Local Authorities: If something feels off, contact local authorities or consumer protection agencies to report suspicious contractors or scams.
    - Better Business Bureau (BBB): Check with the BBB for reports or complaints about a company or individual.
  - Trust Your Instincts
    - If It Seems Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is: Scammers often offer quick, cheap repairs. Be cautious of unusually low estimates or promises of fast results.
- By staying informed and taking your time with decisions, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to scams during disaster recovery.

U-HAUL
- Here is a list of participating UHAUL Stores offering 30 days of FREE Storage for those who are in need following this storm. This is serving ALL states impacted by Helene
Activate HOPE
- Serving as the emergency response arm for the Hope Florida initiative, Activate Hope pulls together the private sector, nonprofits, and government resources to help Floridians get back on their feet following a natural disaster. Activate Hope helps connect Floridians with outside resources to provide food, household goods, home repairs, and more. Fill out the form below to request help today!
- Activate HOPE Application Link

Tampa Area Resources (updated 9/30/2024)

Sign UP for HCFL Alert (Hillsborough County Mass Notification System)
- Signing up for alerts will make sure you are made aware of the latest information from Hillsborough County
- Website Link
Hillsborough County Property Appraiser
- Hillsborough County wants to know if your home or business has sustained damage from the storm.
- Following a hurricane, storm, flood and other natural disaster, Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez and his office stand ready to help you through the assessment process. The HCPA strives to ensure you are able to take advantage of any protections due you by state law when making repairs to or replacing your property. Please fill out the information requested below and someone from our office will contact you as soon as possible to assist with any property tax benefit entitled to you.
- Please fill out their form here

United Way Suncoast Disaster Recovery Page
- If you are looking to Donate/Volunteer or Get Help
- FREE Disaster CleanUp
  - Crisis Cleanup has created a Hurricane Helene Cleanup Hotline: (844) 965-1386.
    - If you need help cleaning up damage from the Hurricane Helene, call the number and ask for help. It will connect you with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities who may be able to assist with: muck, trees, tarp and debris. Services are free but not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need. This hotline will remain open through Oct. 11.
Food Pantries
- Feeding Tampa Bay
- Metropolitan Ministries
- ECHO of Brandon
- United Food Bank of Plant City
- St. Pete Free Clinic
- Hope Villages of America (Clearwater)
- Meals On Wheels Plus of Manatee
- All Faiths Food Bank
- https://www.usa.gov/food-help
Meals
- 9/30/2024
  - Hillsborough County will be providing Dinner 5:30-8:30pm
    - Desoto Park
    - Ruskin Park & Recreation Center
    - Skyway Park & Recreation Center
    - Apollo Beach Park & Recreation Center
    - Sandy Perrone Park
If you need to offload dead Appliances. Consider bringing them a scrapyard so that you can get cash.
- Here is a link Trademark Metals Recycling a reputable company here in Tampa that can take your old appliances or scrap metal.
Hillsborough Debris Cleanup Efforts
- Contracted waste haulers through Hillsborough County will begin waste collection runs on multiple days, starting Monday September 30th. All waste for disposal should be curbside by Monday October 7th
- More information can be found HERE

Comfort Stations

Hillsborough County is opening 6 Comfort Stations to help residents affected by Hurricane Helene.
Comfort Stations offer showers, restrooms, ice, washers and dryers for laundry, and charging stations for phones, laptops, and other communications devices. Hot food or boxed meals will be available at lunch and dinner times. Lunch will be served by American Red Cross 11:30a-12:30pm and Dinner 5:30p-6:30pm at ALL comfort station locations Tuesday 10/1 and Wednesday 10/2.
Comfort Stations are Operational 7am-7pm (Until Further Notice)
- Marjorie Park Marina, 97 Columbia Dr., Tampa, FL 33606
- Desoto Park, 2617 Corrine St., Tampa, FL 33605
- Apollo Beach Park & Recreation Center, 664 Golf and Sea Blvd., Apollo Beach, FL 33572
- Ruskin Park & Recreation Center, 901 6th St. SE, Ruskin, FL 33570
- Sandy Perrone Park, 5120 Kelly Rd., Tampa, FL 33615
- Skyway Sports Complex & Park, 3901 George Rd., Tampa, FL 33634
Devices can be charged at any Hillsborough County Libraries.

Housing

If your family has been displaced and you need to quickly locate an affordable rental property, we encourage you to visit www.FloridaHousingSearch.org. This free, statewide search platform is being constantly updated to ensure all listings are accurate. If you do not have Internet access, you may also call the following toll-free number for assistance: 1-877-428-8844.
If your home sustained damage as a result of Hurricane Helene, 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: Local Government Information
- What Funding is Available?
  - Homeownership – Owner Occupied Rehabilitation
  - Homeownership – Demolition/Reconstruction
  - Homeownership – Disaster Repair/Mitigation
  - Rentals – Rehabilitation-Rental
  - Rentals – Disaster Repair/Mitigation-Rental
- 2024 Income/Rent Limits for SHIP & HHRP Programs

Apollo Beach/Ruskin Resources (Updated 9/30/2024)

*This is where we live, so I have more access to confirm legitimacy*

Donation Drop Off Locations: (Please NO CLOTHING at this time)
- Salty Shamrock
  - 6186 US HWY 41 Apollo Beach
- Circles
  - 1212 Apollo Beach Blvd Apollo Beach
- Kids R Kids Waterset /Southshore (gift cards ONLY)
  - Waterset 6406 Covington Garden Dr Apollo Beach
  - Southshore 13151 Kings Lake Dr Gibsonton
- Ruskin Memorial VFW Post 6287
  - 5120 N US HWY 41 Ruskin
- Amazon Wishlist
  - Created by Southshore Strong and going directly to same members receiving goods from Salty/Circles
Donation Needs:
- General
  - Tarp Totes
  - Plastic Totes with Lids (any size, large is preferred)
  - Coolers
  - Charcoal Grills
  - Charcoal
  - Water, Gatorade
  - Non- Perishable Food
- Monetary
  - Grocery Gift Cards
  - Gas Gift Cards
  - Target, Walmart CVS Gift Cards
  - Area Restaurant Gift Cards
  - Coffee Gift Cards
- Cleaning Supplies
  - Mops
  - Buckets
  - Squeegees
  - Bleach
  - Cleaning Chemicals
  - Paper Towels
  - Towels
  - Gloves
  - Trash Bags
- Wellness/Hygiene
  - Shampoo
  - Soap
  - Bug Spray
  - Feminine Hygiene
  - Sunscreen
  - Medicine
  - First Aide
- Children
  - Diapers
  - Bottles
  - Formula
  - Baby Wipes
  - NEW Toys
  - Coloring Books
- Pets
  - Crates
  - Dog Food
  - Cat Food
  - Cat Litter
  - Treats
  - NEW Bedding/Blankets

Volunteer & Serve