Florida Disaster Organization has an active list of Governor Ron DeSantis’ press releases, which include critical information related to public fuel depots, counseling services, distribution centers, medical service providers, and safety information in various affected counties.  

Catholic Charities offers a list of available distribution sites (address, operation hours) in Collier, Desoto, Hardee, Lee and Sarasota Counties on their website.  

Operation Blue Roof - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provides information about Operation Blue Roof, which is a program that provides homeowners and permanently occupied rental properties with fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover damaged roofs. The program’s website includes information about how to sign up (call or online), hours of operation, mobile ROE signup locations and initial application deadlines (Deadline extended to November 1, according to the website). Or call 1-888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258).

American Red Cross has a list of active shelters in affected areas of Florida with addresses and details about the shelters. 

Charlotte County has a website that includes a Daily Resource List in addition to a list of free food and water distribution sites, available shelter locations, medical resources and recovery resources.  

Lee County government website has a list of recovery updates including information about the Blue Roof program, points of distribution (for free food and water), a list of shelters and available medical services.  

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) provides food assistance for individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Ian who are not receiving assistance through the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Visit their website for pre-registration and information.

Feeding Florida is a nonprofit that works with different Feeding America member food banks in Florida. Their website has a list of Florida food banks sorted by county/city.  

Crisis Cleanup offers a hotline number (800-451-1954) that will connect you with volunteers from local organizations and groups that may be able to help with cutting up fallen trees, tarping roofs, debris removal to the curb, mold mitigation, etc… The website link has the hotline at the top of the page.  Or call 1-800-451-1954.  Deadline has been extended to November 4.

UNITE Florida Hurricane Ian Recovery Portal:  Through a partnership with the State of Florida and its agencies, United Florida helps connect Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian to resources needed for recovery.  If you are unable to remain in your home due to damages caused by Hurricane Ian, the State of Florida may be able to assist you with temporary sheltering and temporary or permanent repairs to your home. Unmet needs, such as transportation, senior services, or household supplies, can also be fulfilled through Unite Florida.  Unite Florida assists you in connecting to recovery resources in your local community. The information entered on the website is completely confidential. For those who need more assistance filling out an application, please call 1-800-892-0948.

American Red Cross Financial Assistance: The Red Cross is providing financial assistance, based on household size, to people whose homes were confirmed to have been destroyed or sustained major structural damage from Hurricane Ian in September 2022, or Hurricane Nicole in November 2022.  Major damage is indicated by significant structural damage to a residence that requires extensive repairs. This may include substantial failure of the roof, walls or foundation, or a water line above 18 inches in an essential living space.  A residence that is destroyed is one that is a total loss or with damage so extensive that repair is not feasible.  For more information and steps to register for an appointment, please see www.redcross.org/ian.

Disaster Assistance: FEMA’s website includes the link to the application to apply for Disaster Assistance, and information about shelters and post-storm safety. Or call 1-800-621-3362.

SBA Disaster Loans: U.S. Small Business Administration offers a list of those eligible for SBA disaster loans and deadlines for filing applications. 

FEMA Assistance: Homeowners and renters in designated Florida counties who had uninsured losses from Hurricane Ian may be eligible for federal disaster assistance.  FEMA may provide financial help with temporary housing expenses, basic home repairs and other essential disaster-related needs. (rev. 10-20-2020)

FEMA Appeals Help: If you were affected by Hurricane Ian, have filed a FEMA application for assistance and were denied or under-awarded, you should appeal.

FEMA Group Flood Insurance Policy: Fact sheets in English and Spanish.

Disaster Recovery Centers: FEMA's website lists active Disaster Recovery Centers on their website along with the center’s address and hours of operation. Disaster Recovery Centers are places where impacted survivors may receive help to apply for assistance. Individuals who have already applied for assistance may also visit to ask questions or get more information.  

Disaster Unemployment Assistance: The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity provides information on how to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance which must be filed by December 30, 2022 according to the website.  

FloridaDisaster.biz is the private sector’s hub for emergency management before, during and after a disaster. This website includes information about the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan, current disaster updates and workforce disaster assistance programs (e.g. Dislocated Worker Grant Program).  

Fraud: Individuals experiencing fraud should call the Florida Attorney General's office at 866-966-7226. The Federal Trade Commission also offers advice here on how to spot, avoid and report scams.

Many local United Ways are accepting volunteers. See below for links to their pages for volunteer registration: 

• United Way of South Sarasota (communities of Venice, Englewood, North Port, Laurel, Nokomis and Osprey)

• United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades  (Counties of Lee, Hendry and Glades)

• United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties (Counties of Flagler and Volusia)

Charlotte County: Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) is hosting a volunteer reception center (VRC) in Charlotte County. Information about the VRC is listed on the website along with a form that will determine volunteer eligibility.  

Volunteer Florida manages Volunteer Connect, Florida’s official volunteer opportunities platform.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE & MENTAL HEALTH

• Disaster Distress Helpline: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a disaster distress helpline at 1-800-985-5990. This helpline offers immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster.

• Family Support Line: The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) launched the Family Support Line, which connects individuals and families who were impacted by Hurricane Ian with peers who were impacted and have recovered from Hurricane Michael. Volunteers from the Panhandle will use their personal experiences to provide support, advice and a helping hand to victims of Hurricane Ian. These peers have lived through similar loss and are well acquainted with the road to rebuilding that Southwest Florida is facing. Volunteers will also help direct Hurricane Ian survivors to resources that are available at the state, federal and local level, including information about bridge loans, roof repair, disaster unemployment assistance and disaster SNAP benefits. Individuals who would like to talk with a Family Support Peer can call 888-850-SWFL. 

• BetterHelp: The Florida Department of Health (DOH) and DCF have partnered with BetterHelp to offer mental health services through three months of free online therapy to those impacted by Hurricane Ian. To access these free services, Floridians can visit betterhelp.com/voucher and use code: HurricaneIan. BetterHelp will then prompt impacted Floridians with a questionnaire to best match them with a licensed mental health professional.

GAS AND TRAVEL

• Evacuation Planning
• Operational Gas Stations
• Routes
• Report Price Gouging: (866) 966-7726

HOUSING, LEGAL AND FRAUD

• Available Housing: for Florida residents who have been displaced by a storm.
• Florida Department of Insurance, Office of Insurance Regulations, Division of Financial Services (1-877-693-5236)
• Free Legal Assistance: www.floridabar.org or (866) 550-2929
• Fraud: Individuals experiencing fraud should call the Florida Attorney General's office at 866-966-7226. The Federal Trade Commission also offers advice here on how to spot, avoid and report scams.
• Storm Shelters
• RedRover seeks to bring animals out of crisis through emergency shelters, financial assistance, and disaster-relief services. Their website includes a list of animal-friendly shelters for those affected by Hurricane Ian.