In an effort to focus on recovery and rebuilding, below is a list of hurricane recovery resources. Our amazing community is a testament to the power of human connection in the face of adversity. Through collaboration, compassion, and an unwavering spirit, we will emerge stronger than before, proving that together, we can weather any storm. In the end, hurricanes may cause physical destruction, but they also reveal the unbreakable bonds within our community.
List of Federal, State and Local Agencies assisting with Hurricane Recovery
For recovery information, call the Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center at 941-833-4000 or go online to www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/storm. Follow Charlotte County Emergency Management for important emergency information at www.charlottecountyfl.gov/em, www.facebook.com/oemcharlottecounty, and www.x.com/ccoem.
-----American Red Cross:Â 1-800-733-2762
-----Are you in need of assistance with any disaster-related insurance issues?  United Policyholders has four dates available in Punta Gorda to answer your Hurricane Milton insurance questions. United Policyholder Florida Local Liaison and Attorney, Julitza Perez, will be hosting open office hours.  Any person in need of assistance with any disaster-related insurance issues, Coldwell Banker Sunstar Punta Gorda, 2825 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, is hosting office hours for Ms. Julitza Perez, United Policyholders Florida Liaison and Attorney on the following dates:
* October 18th (Friday) 2pm-5pm * October 25th (Friday) 2pm-5pm * November 4th (Monday) 3pm-6pm * November 22nd (Friday) 2pm-5pm
United Policyholders is a non-profit consumer advocacy group dedicated to being a trustworthy resource and respected voice for all insurance consumers in the U.S. They are here to help, at no cost, any resident in need of assistance with their disaster-related insurance claims.  For more information about United Policyholders visit: www.uphelp.org/milton.
If you need additional assistance, please feel free to reply to this email kay.tracy@charlottecountyfl.gov or call 941-764-4941.
-----Goodwill can help residents and businesses fill out their applications for FEMA and the SBA. Let folks know that in addition to the DRC in Charlotte County, they can go to the Port Charlotte Goodwill Community Resource Center at 24123 Peachland Blvd (inside the Kings Highway Goodwill). Our staff is there M – F from 9am – 4:30 pm and can assist to speed up their wait time to get help.
-----Florida SBDC: In the wake of Hurricane Milton’s widespread impact on Southwest Florida, the Florida SBDC at FGCU is ready to assist local businesses with disaster recovery efforts. The Florida SBDC at FGCU can provide technical assistance for applying for SBA Disaster Loans and Florida Emergency Bridge Loans. These loans are critical in helping businesses secure the immediate funding needed to recover and rebuild. Current clients are urged to schedule an appointment by calling ahead: 239-745-3700 or email us at: sbdc@fgcu.eduÂ
-----FEMA Assistance:Â If you have been affected by Hurricane Helene, apply for FEMA assistance to take care of your critical needs. FEMA may provide financial help to assist you with home repairs, temporary housing, or property damage (appliances, furniture, vehicle, etc). You may also qualify for help with childcare, medical, lodging, moving, and funeral expenses.
Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA Helpline 1-800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week. Help is available in many languages.
Don’t wait to apply for FEMA assistance and, if you do have insurance, do not wait to file an insurance claim for damage caused by the disaster.
If you have business losses, including property damage and economic losses, you may qualify for assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Visit the MySBA Loan Portal at lending.sba.gov to learn more and apply.
-----Operation Blue Roof announced for the counties of:  Brevard, Citrus, Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Manatee, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, Sumter and Volusia. Initial sign-up period is extended to November 14. Residents impacted by Hurricane Milton can sign-up at www.blueroof.gov calling 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258). Sign up for assistance, and complete the Right of Entry form so that volunteers are allowed to access your property. Not all roof types qualify, flat, metal or clay, slate or asbestos tile do not qualify. Roof must be standard roof shingles, or similar material that will allow contractors to nail the tarp in place. Contractors will consider repairs to metal roofs and mobile homes on a case-by-case basis and will install the cover if possible.Â
-----CHARCOCARES:  Free Hurricane Helene disaster cleanup assistance is available. Call 844-985-1386 for help with flood cleanup, tree and debris removal. Charlotte County will open two water and MRE distribution centers on Monday, Sept. 30, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. or while supplies last. The distribution centers are located at Port Charlotte Town Center Mall, 1441 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte in Macy’s Parking lot and at the Tringali Park Community Center, 3460 N Access Rd, Englewood.
-----Storm Debris: Three temporary drop-off locations for storm Debris are now open for residential drop-off only (no contractors or businesses:
*Mid-County Mini-Transfer & Recycling, 19765 Kenilworth Blvd., Port Charlotte
*West Charlotte Mini-Transfer & Recycling, 7070 Environmental Way, Englewood
9a.m. to gates closing are 4:45p.m. Monday - Saturday
and *Special Drop-off location at the Charlotte County Landfill, 29751 Zemel Rd. Punta Gorda 7a.m.-4:30p.m. Monday-Friday and 7a.m. -12:30p.m. Saturdays.
PROOF of county residency is required valid photo id and local address. PO Box address are not accepted, bring a utility bill or similar document aS proof of local residency along with photo id.
-----Food and beverage workers needing financial assistance, Southern Smoke Foundation. Financial assistance is available nationwide and Gulf Coast funded relief for workers in Charlotte, Sarasota, and DeSoto Counties.  Individuals may receive up to $1,000, and families may be eligible for up to $1,200. Southern Smoke provides a simple application process and outlines requirements for funding on its website, assigning all applicants with a case manager for support https://southernsmoke.org/emergency-relief/
-----Safety tips about flooding and electrical safety, visit https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/news/what-to-do-to-prevent-electrical-hazards-if-your-house-is-flooded.stml.
-----Verify State Contractor License with the Florida Department f Business & Professional Regulation myfloridalicense.com Â
-----Charlotte DeSoto Building Industry Association reminds you to use a licensed contractor - for additional information visit https://www.cdbia.com/after-the-storm-assistance. You can also call them at the office at 941-625-0804. They publish great information on how to find a reputable contractor and not be scammed.
-----Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate (850) 413-5923 MyFloridaCFO.com/division/ica/
-----Fraud:  Anyone who believes a representative or work crew is fraudulent and misrepresenting the government should contact local law enforcement.  To report scams, fraud, and identity-theft contact FEMA’s toll-free Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.  You may also call the Florida Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection Division Fraud Hotline at 1-866-966-7226 or contact local law enforcement agencies.
-----Department of Children and Families announces Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-Snap) in response to Hurricane Helene and Milton. Program is available to households not already receiving regular food assistance. Please see their information below or call 888-348-0408 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET. Last Name begins A-F Call on Monday, October 28. Last Name begins with G-N call on Tuesday, October 29. Last name begins with O-Z Call on Wednesday, October 30. ANY LAST NAME CALL ON THURSDAY OCTOBER 31.
