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Urgent Resources Available to Those Impacted by Hurricane Milton

People loading boxes into a car trunk, possibly at a drive-through distribution event.

Water, meals, tarps, showers, laundry stations, FEMA assistance, and more are available, free of charge

Comfort stations, points of distribution (PODs), FEMA application assistance, and other essential resources are being offered across Hillsborough County to help residents recover from Hurricane Milton.

All resources and information can be found at Immediate Needs - Hurricane Milton Recovery.

Comfort Stations

Comfort stations offer showers, restrooms, and washers and dryers for laundry. Hot food or boxed meals will be available at lunch and dinner times. Sites are open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Points of Distribution (PODS)

PODs are drive through relief areas where residents can pick up water, tarps for protecting homes, and meals. The PODs allow residents to obtain these items without having to leave their vehicles.

All POD sites will close at 7 p.m. on Oct. 18, 2024. All POD sites will close between noon and 1 p.m. daily for a shift change and reset.

  • Elev8 Fun, Citrus Park Mall, 7902 Citrus Park Town Center Mall, Tampa, FL 33625
  • HCC Brandon, 10451 Nancy Watkins Dr., Tampa, FL 33619 
  • Gibsonton Walmart, 9205 Gibsonton Dr., Gibsonton, FL 33534
  • 431 19th Avenue NE, Ruskin, FL 33570 (Former Kmart parking lot)  

Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARC)

Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARC) are open to assist individuals impacted by Hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Debby. MARC one-stop shops help you receive direct services, information on available resources, and referrals to aid organizations. The sites are supported by state and local partners. State departments include: Veterans Affairs; Commerce; Business & Professional Regulation; Children & Families Hope Navigators; Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles; Agency for Persons with Disabilities; Office of Insurance Regulation; and Elder Affairs. Local nonprofits and support organizations.

  • Town 'N Country Regional Public Library, 7606 Paula Dr #120, Tampa, FL 33615
    Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., through Friday, Oct. 18.
  • Florida Strawberry Festival TECO Expo Hall, 2301 W. Oak Ave., Plant City, FL 33563
    Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.

Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)

The Disaster Recovery Center is open to individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits seeking assistance or needing help in completing Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) applications after being impacted by Hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Debby. FEMA representatives will be in attendance to assist.

  • Barksdale Center,1801 N. Lincoln Ave., Tampa, FL 33607
    Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance

Residents impacted by Hurricane Milton can now apply for aid through Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The programs provide financial and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by Hurricane Milton.

The assistance is intended to meet basic needs, supplement disaster recovery efforts, emergency work assistance, replacement of disaster-damaged facilities, and mitigation assistance.

Residents who need long-term housing are encouraged to apply for individual assistance with FEMA as soon as possible. 

Hillsborough County residents who were impacted by Hurricane Milton can apply for FEMA assistance if they have uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs, according to FEMA.

However, FEMA assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster

FEMA programs available:

  • Individual Assistance - Assistance to individuals and households (Deadline to apply is Dec. 11, 2024)
  • Public Assistance - Assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities (Categories A&B) 
  • Hazard Mitigation Grant Program - Assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards 

Visit  Disasterassistance.gov to apply for FEMA assistance. If you have questions about your application or need assistance, call the FEMA Helpline, (800) 621-3362, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

Additional recovery resources for residents and business affected by recent Hurricanes Helene, Deby, and Idalia are available at Storm Recovery Resources.

Get Connected. Stay Alert.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to register for HCFL Alert, Hillsborough County's official public notification system for emergency and urgent alerts.

To receive messages by email, phone, and text, go to HCFL.gov/HCFLAlert. For the latest emergency-related information, visit HCFL.gov/StaySafe. Residents without digital access are encouraged to call (833) HC STORM or (833) 427-8676, the County's storm information and helpline.

Top Image Caption: Image from Hillsborough County Comfort Station

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Posted: 10/16/2024, 11:26:47 AM

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