CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — Neighbors in Citrus County are still recovering after tornadoes ripped through the area weeks ago.
Business owners were still in the early phases of recovery from Hurricane Idalia in late August.
The U.S. Small Business Administration recently announced disaster assistance eligibility covering Citrus County, along with Hernando, Levy, Marion and Sumter counties. Homeowners and renters are also eligible to apply.
The Clearwater and Dunedin area also sustained damages on Oct. 12.
Kayla Mckelvain was among those who lost her home. Her apartments were severely damaged, forcing her to live with other family briefly.
"I've been extremely overwhelmed," Mckelvain said. "Just moving my things into my apartment, you would think like it's supposed to be exciting, but it's really hard."
Mckelvain, a single mother of three, moved into a new apartment Sunday because of financial support from a GoFundMe her father started. She recognizes the difference it makes knowing other neighbors didn't receive as much public support with their requests for help.
"I wouldn't be here today without their donations," Mckelvain said.
However, money still remains scarce after the tornado took away their home and belongings. Her application for an SBA disaster loan was also denied because her income-to-dependent ratio was too low, she said.
She's hoping for the possibility of a major disaster declaration with FEMA similar to Hurricane Idalia someday. She believes that could help her and other residents impacted by the tornadoes in October.
For now, Mckelvain is counting her blessings from the donations to her most precious belongings: Her three kids – Brenton, Maddison and Kaiden.
"I can rebuild materialistic things, but our lives, you can't get back," Mckelvain said.
A Disaster Loan Outreach Center opened on Oct. 31 in Crystal River. It will be open weekdays through Nov. 17 at the Coastal Region Library.