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In the wake of Hurricane Helene, our community has faced significant challenges, and we understand that many of you are seeking support to aid in your recovery. We have provided updated lists of available resources within the community and encourage you to remain patient as services are restored to our hardest-hit areas and neighbors.

These special editions are dedicated to offering essential information and updates to help Lealman residents navigate the storm's aftermath. From cleanup efforts and debris removal to vital resources for affected businesses and families, we are here to connect you with the assistance you need during this critical time. Together, we will rebuild and strengthen our community!

Resources for Nonprofits in Lealman

In response to the impact of Hurricane Helene, Community Foundation Tampa Bay has activated its Critical Needs List to support local recovery efforts. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to submit hurricane-related needs to the list, which serves as a direct channel for fundholders, donors, and the public to learn about and support critical recovery initiatives.

This process is not a competitive grants program, but rather a streamlined way for organizations to share their urgent needs with the community.

Nonprofits Submit Your Needs

Tampa Bay Resiliency Fund

Originally established to aid organizations during the Covid pandemic, the fund has now shifted its focus to supporting disaster recovery and fostering long-term community resilience in the wake of the storm’s destructive path.

The TBRF is a collaborative effort between four major philanthropic organizations: Allegany Franciscan Ministries, Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, Pinellas Community Foundation and United Way Suncoast. This partnership between the area nonprofits was created in an effort to provide a secure and efficient channel for individuals and organizations to contribute to recovery efforts, ensuring that donations are directed towards nonprofit organizations actively involved in disaster relief and recovery services. The first $250,000 in donations to the fund will be matched dollar for dollar, effectively doubling the initial support available for relief efforts.

Learn More

Support and Resources for Pinellas County Schools Families Following Hurricane Helene

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, our community has faced an incredibly traumatic event, and many Pinellas County Schools (PCS) families have endured significant losses. The well-being of students, staff, and families remains a top priority, and PCS is  dedicated to providing information on ongoing resources and available support during this challenging time.

To help families navigate the recovery process, we have provided brochures in both English and Spanish with suggestions on how to best support children after a crisis:

- [English Brochure]
- [Spanish Brochure]

Additionally, the following local resources are available to help families in need:

- First Contact
- Clothes to Kids
- Care About Me
 

For more detailed information and continuously updated resources, please visit the Student Services website. 

Every Pinellas County School has a team of counselors, social workers, psychologists, and nurses who are ready to assist families. You can access their services by contacting your child’s school directly.

While Hurricane Helene has caused immense damage, it has also demonstrated the strength and unity of our community. Pinellas County Schools is committed to supporting families both in and out of the classroom. 

Community Member Disaster Resources

Federal Assistance:

- FEMA Assistance: Financial aid is available for temporary lodging, home repairs, and disaster-related expenses. Residents can apply via [DisasterAssistance.gov], the FEMA app, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

- Disaster Unemployment Assistance: Individuals who lost employment due to the storm may qualify for financial aid. More information is available on the Florida Jobs website. 

- SNAP Food Replacement: Those who lost food during the hurricane can apply for replacements through the SNAP program by October 6.

Business Resources:

- Damage Assessment Surveys: Businesses are encouraged to complete damage surveys to expedite recovery efforts. The survey is available on Florida Disaster Biz

- Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans: Florida Commerce has activated a bridge loan program for affected businesses, with applications open until November 24, 2024. More information is available at FloridaJobs.org/EBL

- SBA Disaster Loans: The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering disaster loans for homeowners and businesses. Applications can be submitted at SBA Lending.

Local Resources in Pinellas County:

- FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC): A DRC is open at Largo Public Library to provide assistance. Services include application help, access to resources, and translation services. More details at [Pinellas County](https://pinellas.gov/news/fema-disasterrecovery-center-to-open-at-largo-public-library/).

- HOPE Florida Hotline: For immediate storm recovery assistance, residents can contact the HOPE line at 1-833-438-4357.

- Crisis Cleanup Hotline: For those needing help with cleanup, the hotline at (844) 965-1386 connects residents with volunteers for storm-related cleanup, including debris removal and muck-outs.

Housing Resources for Those Displaced by Hurricane Helene

If you have been displaced due to Hurricane Helene, here is a list of resources to help you find short- and long-term housing options.

Realtors and property managers regularly update their available listings on various platforms. You can use the following websites to search for housing:

• Florida Housing Search (State Affordable Housing Search Tool)
• Local realtors can assist you through the following locations
  • Bay Area Apartment Association
  • Pinellas Realtor Organization
• Housing Search Engines:
  • Airbnb (Disaster Program available)
  • Apartment Finder
  • Apartments.com
  • For Rent
  • Hotpads
  • Hurricane Homes
  • Realtor.com
  • Rent.com
  • RentCafe
  • Trulia
  • VRBO

Airbnb.org is providing free, temporary housing for people displaced by Hurricane Helene in several US states.

The organization has partnered with local nonprofits and 211 contact centers in Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina to connect people with a free place to stay.

To support residents who have been displaced from their homes by Hurricane Helene, Airbnb.org is working with the Florida United Methodist Conference (FLUMC), Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), and 211 contact centers in Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina to offer free, temporary housing. Stays are completely free for guests and are funded by Airbnb.org and the generosity of Airbnb hosts — many of whom offer their home for free or at a discount through Airbnb.org.

Support

Care managers are available to assist seniors with navigating resources and identifying available housing. Please call (727) 447-5845.

Please be aware of scams! Never pay cash, wire money or pay with prepaid cards. Research the property and owner. Search public records to confirm the identity of the owner. Consider using a licensed broker or real estate agent. No matter which search engine you’re using, be wary of listings that lack photos, and/ or have grammatical errors and typos. Be sure to tour the property inside and out. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Free Hygiene kits are available at the Lealman Exchange!

Each kit contains a small towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and comb. Some also have nail clippers, shampoo, pads/tampons, and bandaids.

Please call to ensure kits are still available tel:727-464-5404

Free Resource & Recovery Food Truck Friday Pinellas County Urban League

Pinellas County Urban League, (333 31st Street North) THIS FRIDAY 10/4. Free cleaning kits, food, legal and financial advice, voting information, and more...

NO RSVP NEEDED

If you are a community provider and would like to participate, contact Mhariel Summers with PCUL Health & Quality of Life Manager at 727.327.2081

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center to open at Largo Public Library

In response to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will open a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at the Largo Public Library, located at 120 Central Park Drive, Largo. The center will begin operations on Wednesday, October 2, to provide crucial support and resources to local residents affected by the storm.

The DRC will operate during the following hours:

- Monday through Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

- Thursday and Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

- Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Services Provided at the Disaster Recovery Center:

Disaster Recovery Centers offer a centralized location where individuals can access a wide range of services and information aimed at helping them through the recovery process. Key services available at the Largo DRC include:

- Information and Guidance: Residents will be able to learn about various disaster assistance programs and resources available through federal, state, and local agencies.

- Application Assistance: Staff will be on hand to help individuals apply for FEMA grants and low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration. They can also assist with completing paperwork and guide applicants through the entire process.

- Translation and Accessibility Services: The center provides translation services for those with limited English proficiency and ensures accommodations for individuals with disabilities, promoting equal access to assistance.

- Application Status Updates: Residents who have already applied for assistance can visit the DRC to check the status of their application.

- Access to Disaster-related Resources: Informational materials, brochures, and pamphlets will be available to help people understand the recovery process and the resources at their disposal. DRC staff can also connect individuals with other agencies and organizations offering housing, legal services, counseling, and more.

- Access to Computers and Phones: The center will provide access to computers and phones, allowing residents to complete online applications and communicate with agencies.

When visiting the DRC, residents are encouraged to bring identification, proof of residence, insurance documents, and any paperwork related to disaster-related losses. This will expedite the application process and help ensure that they receive the appropriate support.

For those unable to visit the center, residents can register for FEMA assistance online at https://www.disasterassistance.gov, through the FEMA app, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

The Largo Disaster Recovery Center offers a valuable resource for individuals seeking help in rebuilding their lives and accessing the assistance they need after the devastation of Hurricane Helene.

Lealman Needs Navigator 

Our on-site Lealman Exchange management team includes an in-house Lealman Navigator. The Lealman Navigator is a non-licensed, non-clinical staff member who gathers information and connects clients directly to community agencies and resources participating in the Lealman Exchange and throughout the Lealman Exchange Collective Impact network.   

The Lealman Navigator is here to help you get the support you need to access the wrap-around services available through the Collective Impact Model at the Lealman Exchange. The Navigator is committed to removing a client’s barriers to assistance by identifying critical resources, helping them navigate through the services and systems, and promoting client’s long-term and sustainable success in finding, receiving and benefiting from available services.

BetterHelp offers free therapy to hurricane victims

BetterHelp, an online therapy platform, is offering three months of free counseling to those impacted by Hurricane Helene. Victims can redeem the free counseling by visiting betterhelp.com/voucher and using the code hurricane-helene-support 

Volunteer Opportunities 

For those who are able and willing to lend a hand in recovery efforts, here are some opportunities to get involved:

• Reach St. Pete Relief Efforts (10/4)
• Keep Pinellas Beautiful Cleanups (10/4-10/12)
• Feeding Tampa Bay
• United Way of Suncoast
• Volunteer Florida
• Feeding America: Find local food banks by zip code

Hope Florida

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!

https://hopeflorida.com/get-help/helene.html

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