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Resources for those affected by Hurricanes Helene, Milton

Residents can get help with debris cleanup, food and more.

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TAMPA, Fla. — Florida has been rocked and battered by three hurricanes in less than two months — Debby, Helene and Milton. The last two happened less than two weeks apart and both made landfall as major storms. 

Hurricane Helene is being blamed for at least 240 deaths and billions of dollars in destruction across the Southeast U.S., including here in the Tampa Bay area. And, as recovery from that storm continues, the region is now recovering from Hurricane Milton and its devastating effects. Milton may end up being one of the costliest storms on record. 

Resources are available for those affected by the storms including help with medical care, food and other needs. 

The below information is from Gov. Ron DeSantis's office, as well as local governments and organizations:

Resources for cleanup help

County recovery guides:

For county-specific information, tap on your county below.

Hotlines

  • 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

WATCH: Your questions, answered: Stream 'Storm Recovery: Ask the Experts' on 10 Tampa Bay+

Rebuilding help

  • 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.
  • Lowe's 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.
  • Lowe's is also giving away free buckets of supplies starting at 10 a.m. while supplies last at select locations:
    • St. Petersburg - 2365 25th Street North
    • South Tampa - 4210 South Dale Mabry Highway
    • Largo - 11101 Ulmerton Road
    • Port Richey - 8312 Little Road
    • Clearwater - 26990 US Highway 19 North
    • Tarpon Springs - 41800 US Highway 19 North
    • Pinellas Park - 7301 Park Blvd
  • 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.
  • The City of Madeira Beach has opened resource centers in partnership with Duke Energy and Economic Development, which are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in these locations:

Food, health and other resources

Food

  • Feeding Tampa Bay provides food and meal distribution. For more information, you can click here.
  • The Salvation Army of Tampa Bay provides food, shelter and a variety of disaster relief services. For more information on Hurricane Relief you can click here.
  • American Red Cross of Central Florida provides emergency shelter, food and recovery help. For immediate help call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). To find a shelter, 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.
  • Pinellas County is providing free food, water and tarps for barrier island residents affected at three locations
    • St. Pete Beach: 4700 Gulf Boulevard 
    • Treasure Island: 10451 Gulf Boulevard 
    • Tierra Verde Fire Station: 540 Sands Point Drive (This location only has water).
  • All Saints Episcopal Church in Tarpon Springs is accepting donations of on-perishable and canned foods, sports drinks, personal care items, baby food and diapers, paper products, cleaning supplies and more. They are located at 1700 Keystone Rd.

Shelter

  • The City of Tampa has activated two "comfort stations" for impacted residents in partnership with Hillsborough County and the Florida Department of Emergency Management. The stations, located at 2617 Corrine St. and 97 Columbia Dr., offer free food, water, ice, showers, restrooms, charging stations, laundry assistance and a pop-up permit center. The stations are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice.
  • Four other comfort stations are being opened by Hillsborough County in unincorporated neighborhoods. Hot food or boxed meals will be available at lunch and dinner. These are the locations, which are also open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, beginning Tuesday:
  • Pasco County opened two comfort stations on the west side of the county, which are open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice. Those are located at the Hudson Library, 8012 Library Rd., and J. Ben Harrill Recreation Center, 2830 Gulf Trace Blvd. The City of New Port Richey also opened a comfort station with the same hours at the New Port Richey Recreation & Aquatic Center, 6630 Van Buren St. All three locations have air conditioning, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities and charging stations.

Clothes

Clothes to Kids is accepting donations in all sizes at these following locations:

Health and additional 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.

Mental Health resources

RELATED: Disaster fatigue: What it is and how to get help

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