Tallahassee, FL - On October 10, 2018, Hurricane Michael made landfall in Northwest Florida as a Category 5 hurricane, destroying homes and businesses, and forcing families to look for new places to live and work. Thanks to state and federal resources, as well as the determination, resiliency, and hard work of these communities, they have been able to rebuild and invest in the future of the region. Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) is proud to have supported these efforts through homeownership programs and partnerships with developers to rebuild much needed rental housing throughout the impacted area. During this time of recovery, Florida Housing provided more than $15 million for down payment and closing cost assistance and invested $75 million into workforce housing properties.
Unfortunately, now four years later, Hurricane Ian has left thousands of Floridians in a similar situation, looking for new places to live and work. As their recovery efforts begin, Florida Housing is committed to standing with them every step of the way and supporting housing needs across Southwest Florida through every means available.
“Florida Housing continues to support areas in recovery from Hurricane Michael, though we are now very focused on assisting the families in Southwest Florida that have been impacted by Hurricane Ian,” said Trey Price, Executive Director of Florida Housing Finance Corporation. “Our team recognizes that recovery does not happen overnight. While we are working to ensure families have the necessary information for temporary housing assistance, our major role is being a part of long-term solutions. We appreciate the leadership from Governor DeSantis, the state Legislature, and other agency partners as we all work together to provide the support needed to help these communities rebuild.”
Following Hurricane Michael, Florida Housing established the Hurricane Michael Recovery Loan Program, which assisted more than 1,000 families by providing first mortgage assistance at record low interest rates, along with up to $15,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. Florida Housing has also financed the development of 12 new multifamily rental properties with 962 total units to replace those that were destroyed in the storm and establish new housing for low and moderate-income families in the region. This equates to a $90 million total commitment dedicated to helping the community recover from such a devastating disaster.
In response to Hurricane Ian, Florida Housing is working to provide information on disaster relief resources, particularly as it relates to housing. At this time, families impacted by Hurricane Ian may be eligible for the following assistance:
- Individuals that have been displaced from their homes are encouraged to visit www.FloridaHousingSearch.org. This free, statewide search platform is constantly being updated to ensure all listings are accurate and can help quickly locate an affordable rental property. If you do not have Internet access, you may also call the following toll-free number for assistance in conducting a search: 1-877-428-8844.
- If your home sustained damage as a result of the storm, your local State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program office may have recovery assistance available to help with temporary relocation, rental assistance, debris removal and/or home repairs. Please contact your local SHIP office directly for more information: Local Government Information
- Florida residents who live in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, and Volusia counties can apply for federal assistance to help with disaster-related expenses, including temporary lodging. For more information please visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or use the FEMA App.
- Residents who used Florida Housing’s Homeownership Loan Program (HLP) may be eligible for Disaster Relief Assistance through US Bank. Please visit their website for more information: Disaster relief assistance | U.S. Bank
- Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and Federal Housing Administration loans (FHA) back the majority of U.S. mortgages – and each has some kind of program to help homeowners struggling to pay their monthly mortgage payment after a disaster. Disaster relief options are offered to homeowners in declared major disaster areas. However, even homeowners outside those areas may have options if their home incurred a disaster-related loss that impacts their ability to make a mortgage payment. Foreclosure and other legal proceedings are also suspended while homeowners are on a forbearance plan. Click here to learn more.
- Operation Blue Roof: Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Operation Blue Roof provides homeowners and permanently occupied rental properties in disaster areas with fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs.
- (Coming Soon) HurricaneHomes.org: Local Realtor associations have built a platform for the community to access temporary housing rentals in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, and Marco Island. The website, HurricaneHomes.org, will provide housing listings given by licensed Realtors in the area whose properties have been vetted as reliable, safe, and clean.
- Airbnb.org has committed $5 million to offer free, temporary housing to people displaced by Hurricane Ian. To be eligible for an Airbnb stay as part of this hurricane response, individuals must be connected to Airbnb by one of its official referral agencies, including Global Empowerment Mission, CORE Response, Operation Blessing, and Inspiritus. For more information, please visit Hurricane Ian: Urgent accommodations in Florida.
- If you own a private business that has been impacted, please visit www.FloridaDisaster.biz/.
For more information about Florida Housing Finance Corporation and disaster relief resources, please visit Disaster Relief Resources and Information (floridahousing.org).
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