Relief and Recovery Resource Listing
At United Way, we believe that we are better together. This page contains relevant resources for Charlotte County residents who are affected by recent hurricanes.
As the relief and recovery needs evolve, so will this listing, so be sure to check back regularly.
Charlotte County Disaster Resources
For life-threatening emergencies, call or text 9-1-1.
Sheriff non-emergencies can call 941-833-4161
- Alert Charlotte - Get alerted about emergencies by signing up HERE.
- For additional storm information, visit Emergency Management or call the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center at 941-833-4000.
- For the most current updates and County press releases (insurance, mold, boil water notices, curfews, shelters, etc.) - www.charlottecountyfl.gov/news/
Information Hubs
To help residents get information about available resources after the storms, Info Hubs will be available after noon on Friday, October 11th at the following locations. The Info Hubs are white newspaper stands clearly marked and will contain printed flyers of updated information on recovery efforts, relief programs, and resources available to assist residents and businesses impacted by the storm.
- South County Regional Park Recreation Center, 670 Cooper St., Punta Gorda
- Englewood Charlotte Public Library, 3450 North Access Rd., Englewood
- Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park Recreational Center, 6961 San Casa Dr., Englewood
Self-Reporting Damage Assessment
Charlotte County has an online self-reporting damage system to help collect damage assessments. Visit www.tinyurl.com/reportingdamage , enter your address, select the type of damage and add a photo. If possible, include high water marks when reporting damage.
Reporting damage in this system gets the information to county departments quickly and eliminates the need to call it in. The information will help the county compile an extensive list of the damage caused by Hurricanes Helene & Milton.
Please follow all safety guidelines for flooded areas when taking photos, stay on higher ground, avoid contact with flood waters, and do not drive on flooded roads.
Do understand that by self-reporting this information to the county, you are simply assisting the county with damage assessment information. You must still take whatever steps are necessary to report any damage to your insurance company or FEMA, etc.
Debris Clean up & Muck & Gut
Crisis Clean-Up For debris removal/flooding clean up. Call 844-965-1386
Samaritan's Purse Samaritan's Purse is assisting homeowners who were affected by Hurricane Milton. This is a free service. Call 833-747-1234
- Taking personal belongings and furniture to the curb, flood cleanup, sanitizing, roof tarping and chainsaw work.
Operation Blue Roof
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has opened Operation Blue Roof in Charlotte through Tuesday, Nov. 5.
This program is a free service for homeowners and permanently occupied rental properties, providing fiber-reinforced, industrial strength sheeting to protect storm-damaged roofs until homeowners can make permanent repairs.
Residents impacted by Hurricane Milton can sign up for this no-cost service by visiting blueroof.gov, calling 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258).
Storm Refuge
Shelter locations:
- Babcock Ranch School Field House 43281 Cypress Parkway., Punta Gorda
- CLOSED Harold Avenue Regional Park Recreation Center 23400 Harold Ave., Port Charlotte
- CLOSED Kingsway Elementary School
Charlotte County has no certified Red Cross shelters. In the event of a hurricane Charlotte County staffed shelters may be opened for citizens to take shelter. All are pet friendly. Charlotte County shelters of last resort may not be able to open depending on the size and direction of an approaching storm. Check local media and this website to ascertain which location may be open.
Distribution Centers
Designated sites providing Water, MREs, tarps and muck kits while supplies last.
All distribution sites are CLOSED
Comfort Stations
Charlotte County has opened comfort stations with restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities at three locations. The comfort stations will be available for use from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily until further notice.
Locations:
- Harold Avenue Regional Park Recreation Center, 23400 Harold Ave., Port Charlotte
- South County Regional Park, 670 Cooper St., Punta Gorda
- Fellowship Church of Englewood, 140 Rotonda Blvd. W, Rotonda West
This facility provides residents with a safe space where they can take showers and do laundry as part of their recovery efforts. Bring your own supplies if you have them – detergent, soap, shampoo, towels.
For those in need of transportation, Charlotte County Transit Services is offering rides to and from the comfort station. Residents can schedule a comfort station ride by calling the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center at 941-833-4000 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)
Disaster recovery centers (DRCs) provide disaster survivors with information from Florida agencies, FEMA, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Individuals can get help applying for federal assistance and disaster loans, update applications and learn about other resources available.
Located at: South County Regional Park Recreation Center, located at 670 Cooper St., Punta Gorda
Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. 7 days a week.
For those in need of transportation, Charlotte County Transit Services is offering rides to and from the DRC. Residents can schedule a comfort station ride by calling the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center at 941-833-4000 and select option 1.
Individuals affected by Hurricane Milton in Florida can also apply for assistance online or by phone:
- www.DisasterAssistance.gov
- call the FEMA Helpline 1-800-621-3362, 7 a.m.-10 p.m., 7 days a week. Help is available in many languages.
Please see more below regarding FEMA.
Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC)
Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) provide various local and state resources to support recovery efforts.
Location: Port Charlotte Town Center Mall, 1441 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte (across from the FYE store).
Open Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For those in need of transportation, Charlotte County Transit Services is offering rides to and from the MARC. Residents can schedule a comfort station ride by calling the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center at 941-833-4000 and select option 1.
FEMA | Disaster Loans | Disaster Guide
FEMA and the federal family are closely working with governments and communities to respond to Hurricane Helene and Milton. Follow directions from local officials to stay safe, as rainfall and flooding continue through multiple states.
When can I apply for FEMA?
- To apply for assistance, the president must make a major disaster declaration for your state. The declaration must also name the county or place you live in for Individual Assistance.
Can I apply for FEMA assistance if I have insurance?
- Yes. You may qualify for FEMA assistance even if you have insurance. By law, FEMA can't provide benefits for losses covered by your insurance. So, you need to file an insurance claim as soon as possible.
Applying for FEMA -
- Disaster survivors may apply for the Individual and Household Program or check their application status at https://www.disasterassistance.gov, or calling 1-800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (in your time zone), 7 days a week.
Local FEMA locations -
- Representatives are available in person at the following locations: closed
Low-Interest Disaster Loans -
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to businesses and residents in Florida following the announcement of a Presidential disaster declaration. For help, call 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.
Denied and Need Help?
- If you have been denied or under-awarded FEMA assistance, there is FREE help for a FEMA appeal. Call 1-800-267-9511 or email FEMAhelp@sbpusa.org
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 to request help today, click here.
Community Organization Active in Disaster (COAD)
Long-Term Recovery for Charlotte County Residents with Unmet Needs
For Charlotte County, completing the Long-Term Recovery Assistance Application is the first step in determining your eligibility to receive financial assistance, repair assistance, or case management. These may help in your recovery from the damage caused by Hurricane Ian, and most recently Hurricane Idalia. Our goal is to connect you with all the services available to you.
Visit, COAD to complete an application. Resources Provided
United at Work
United Way of Charlotte County has created a program to help strengthen the local workforce following Hurricane Ian. United at Work was established to assist employees of Charlotte County businesses with unmet needs that are identified after other funds have been depleted or are no longer available. Funds will be distributed to fill unmet, hurricane-related needs for those who qualify. Call our office 941-627-3539 or click here to apply.
Additional Resources
Charlotte County businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Milton and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits can apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA).
Florida Commerce is accepting applications from eligible residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted due to Hurricane Milton are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org.
DUA is available to those who are ineligible to receive federal or state Reemployment Assistance benefits and the individual meets one of the following requirements:
- Is unemployed as a direct result of the major disaster;
- Was scheduled to start employment but was unable to as a direct result of the major disaster;
- Is unable to reach their job or self-employment location because the individual has to travel through an affected area and is prevented from doing so as a direct result of the major disaster;
- Has become the primary breadwinner because the head of the household died as a direct result of the major disaster; or
- Is unable to work because of an injury that was a direct result of the major disaster.
DUA is available for weeks of unemployment beginning October 6, 2024, through April 12, 2025, as long as the individual’s unemployment continues to be a result of the disaster in the designated disaster areas. The deadline to submit a claim for DUA benefits is no later than December 10, 2024.
To file a claim, go to www.FloridaJobs.org and select “File a Claim”, visit a local CareerSource Career Center, or call 1-800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For DUA claims information, call 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759) to speak with a representative.
Encourage Your Employees to Apply for FEMA
It is very important that every resident applies for FEMA. You may not know exactly what they have available until you apply.
Some of the business loans available may also have zero interest options.
If you have employees that have been displaced, assistance with transitional housing assistance vouchers may be available, but they must apply.
3 ways to apply:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
- FEMA app
- Call 800-687-FEMA (3362)
Federal Business Recovery Resources
Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans
Business Physical Disaster Loans – Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery, and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non- profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.
Application filing deadlines:
Physical damage: January 12, 2023
Economic injury: June 29, 2023
More information is available on the SBA.gov website.
The agency will waive the interest rate for the first year on new disaster loans and extend the initial payment deferment period automatically to 12 months.
Disaster Legal Aid
National Disaster Legal Aid
Disaster Legal Services through the American Bar Association (ABA)
Tax Relief
Call the IRS – 866-562-5227
FEMA Declaration Number – DR-4673-FL
Website Link
State of Florida Business Recovery Resources
State of Florida Business Damage Assessment Survey
Providing information in the Business Damage Assessment survey to determine damage related to disaster impacts in Florida, and does NOT serve as an application for resources, including the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan. After filling out the survey, federal, state, or local agencies may reach out to you through the contact information provided if you indicate your interest. Surveys are public record and must be made available to the public and media upon request.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to Florida businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Ian. Individuals affected in the designated-disaster areas must file DUA applications by December 30, 2022. Applications filed after the deadline will be considered untimely, and DUA benefits may be denied unless the individual provides good cause.
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program provides short-term, zero-interest working capital loans that are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer term recovery funding such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims or other resources.
Loans are available up to $50,000 per eligible applicant. Loans made under this program are short-term, personal loans using State of Florida funds – they are not grants and must be repaid. Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans require repayment by the approved applicant. Owners may utilize funding from longer term financial resources, such as U.S. Small Business Administration economic injury disaster loans, to repay the Emergency Bridge Loan.
Click here for more information / to apply.
Florida United Ways work together every day to meet the needs of our individual communities, as well as the entire state. When Hurricane Ian hit Florida, our thoughts immediately turned to concern for our families, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Now we are #United4Florida to help the communities devastated by the storm respond and recover. No matter where you live, a local United Way will be there to organize resources, connect those in need with those who can help, and ensure our neighbors have the support they need to recover.
Giving after Idalia: The best way to help following a disaster is by making a financial donation to a reputable relief fund. Relief organizations can use your money to buy truly needed items in bulk, at wholesale prices, and have distribution systems to get those supplies to the areas in most need.
A financial donation prevents the “Second Disaster” which happens when a community is inundated with donated items. Often, there’s little storage, limited manpower and no way to clean used goods. Donated items may be stored uncovered, outside, which leads to mildew or items decaying in the heat. Items that can’t be used, or even too many of those that can, are of no use to responders.
United Way of Florida has a Disaster Recovery Fund to assist impacted communities. Gifts may also be made directly to a local United Way impacted by Idalia. Follow this link to learn more regarding United Way recovery funds: https://www.uwof.org/disaster-recovery-fund