Not long after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida, Milton struck the state as a Category 3 storm, leaving many without power, damaged homes, flooded streets and at least 11 people dead, according to AP News. If you were impacted by the storm or are looking for ways to aid our fellow communities in need, here are resources, important information and more to help.
If you need help after Milton
If your home was left damaged by Hurricane Milton, you first need to file a claim with your insurance, if you have it. Take photos and videos of the affected areas of your home and belongings, even making a list of damaged items.
If you need help cleaning up debris due to the storm, contact Crisis Cleanup at 844-965-1386 or visit crisiscleanup.org.
Federal aid is also available to those who are eligible. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a sum of $750 per household in Serious Needs Assistance, which is an initial payment available to cover immediate needs like food, water, baby formula, medication and other emergency supplies.
The agency’s Displacement Assistance offers for up to two weeks of temporary lodging for those who can’t return home. Up to $42,500 per household is also available to repair or rebuild a homeowner’s residence or support temporary housing needs through FEMA’s Financial Housing Assistance. Disaster survivors can also receive up to 18 months of rental assistance.
To apply for FEMA aid, visit disasterassistance.gov or call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Those affected can apply during the first 30 days after a disaster is declared, and if you applied for Hurricane Helene, you must apply separately for Milton.
For up-to-date shelter availability throughout the state, find a list at floridadisaster.org/shelters. For those trying to locate lost loved ones because of the hurricane, the American Red Cross has a reunification portal.
Where to donate
If you are looking to help storm survivors, there are plenty of ways to do so, such as donating to the organizations providing relief to those in need:
- The American Red Cross
- United Way of Florida
- World Central Kitchen
- Feeding Tampa Bay
- Save the Children
- The Humane Society of the U.S.
Other ways to help out
Additionally, you can help by volunteering your time with organizations if you’re near affected areas. These include Volunteer Florida, the Red Cross, Feeding Tampa Bay and All Hands and Hearts.
In Pembroke Pines, the Shops at Pembroke Gardens (527 SW 145th Terrace) is partnering with the Florida Highway Patrol, Global Empowerment Mission and Mobile Mike Media Relations to support relief efforts. On October 16 and 17, between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., the mall will serve as a designated drop-off location for essential donations, such as air-powered lights, gas cans, construction materials, baby diapers, food, wipes, non-perishable foods and canned goods, pet food, hygiene kits and more.
Over in Fort Lauderdale, The MKT at Las Olas Oceanside Park (3000 E Las Olas Blvd) is teaming up with Convoy of Hope to collect supplies to benefit those impacted by the hurricane. The supplies will be collected at The LOOP’s weekend markets on Saturday, Oct. 19, Sunday, Oct. 20 and Saturday, Oct. 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. Donations will also be accepted during Movies by Moonlight on Friday, Oct. 25, from 5 to 8 p.m. Items accepted include shelf stable, ready-to-eat and canned items that are not expired; pet food; hygiene products; clothing; household goods; cardboard boxes and more.
The LOOP is also seeking volunteers to help sort the supplies and pack boxes daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.