Pinellas launches $800M hurricane recovery program
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Pinellas County's hurricane recovery program website. Photo: Pinellas County
Starting Monday, Pinellas County residents can apply to receive a share of more than $800 million in hurricane recovery grant funding.
Why it matters: The county's People First Hurricane Recovery Programs aim to help residents affected by hurricanes Helene, Milton and Idalia with home repairs, disaster-related expenses and more.
The big picture: Pinellas was one of several Tampa Bay governments to receive millions in hurricane aid funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
- Next week's launch is the culmination of a year-long process that began with public meetings and a survey asking residents how the money should be spent.
What they're saying: County leaders are aiming to get money to some program recipients by Christmas, county commission chair Brian Scott told reporters this week.
- "If you qualify, we want to get money in your hands," Scott said. "This is going to be a huge economic lift for this county."
How it works: Each program has eligibility criteria based on factors such as income and location, according to the county's grant information page, which is also available in Spanish and Vietnamese.
- The programs will prioritize low- and middle-income households, generally those making up to 80% or 120% of the area median income.
- For a family of four, that's up to $83,450 or $125,150, respectively, per the county.
- Residents interested in applying should begin compiling documents such as proof of home ownership, receipts, repair estimates, damage assessments and proof of income documents like W2s or tax returns.
Caveat: St. Petersburg residents aren't eligible to apply. That city received its own $160 million hurricane recovery grant, for which applications are expected to open next month.
- Hillsborough County also received a grant, totaling about $709 million, and plans to launch similar housing-focused programs.
Zoom in: Pinellas is rolling out five programs that will provide individual grants of up to:
- $15,000 to reimburse residents who experienced property- or job-related financial hardship as a result of the storms for expenses like rent, mortgage and utilities.
- $375,000 to homeowners to rehabilitate, rebuild or relocate a primary residence.
- $50,000 to reimburse homeowners for already completed repairs.
- $80,000 to help residents buy a home outside flood zones.
- $375,000 to help landlords rehabilitate, rebuild or replace hurricane-damaged rental units into affordable housing.
How to apply: Applications will open Monday online, by phone or by meeting with a case manager at one of two intake centers:
- 2600 McCormick Drive, Suite 100, in Clearwater.
- 5000 Park St., Suite 4, in Seminole.
What's next: While the majority of the county's $813 million will go toward the above programs, county leaders will announce aid for small businesses and nonprofits in the coming months.