Current News
Disaster Housing Resources
September 25th, 2017
The Florida Division of Emergency Management has assembled a task force with the aim of consolidating and disseminating resources to those who have sustained damage to their homes as a result of Hurricane Irma. This list is based on resources identified by the task force and is subject to update as new programs are identified and become available.
Federal and State Resources:
Florida Housing Portal
To search for available rental housing across Florida, search at http://www.floridahousingsearch.org/ , email us at DIT@socialserve.com, or call us toll-free at 877-428-8844. You can also visit http://www.socialserve.com/tenant/FL/index.html?type=rental. The status of available units listed on Florida Housing Search is updated frequently. If needed, call center specialists are available to provide assistance in conducting searches.
USACE (Operation Blue Roof)
Operation Blue Roof provides a temporary covering of blue plastic sheeting to help reduce further damage to property until permanent repairs can be made. The blue plastic sheeting is installed using strips of wood that are secured to the roof with nails or screws. Current information is available on the Jacksonville District web site at www.saj.usace.army.mil/BlueRoof and at 1-888-ROOF-BLU (1-888-766-3258).
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
It is important to always verify a construction professional’s state license before signing a contract.
You can verify licenses on the DBPR website by visiting www.myfloridalicense.com, calling (850) 487-1395 or downloading the free DBPR Mobile app available in the iTunes and Google Play app stores.
If you suspect unlicensed activity is taking place, report it to the department by calling the Unlicensed Activity Hotline at (866) 532-1440, emailing ULA@myfloridalicense.com or using the free DBPR Mobile app available in the iTunes and Google Play app stores.
Consumer Fraud
Anyone who suspects fraud should call FEMA’s Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or the Florida Attorney General’s fraud and price gouging hotline at 866-966-7226.
Department of Housing and Urban Development
If you were affected by Hurricane Irma and live in one of the Individual Assistance Declared Counties, you may be eligible for assistance available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Federal Housing Administration (FHA).
For more information, visit the following sites:
Foreclosure relief- http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/nsc/qaho0121
Mortgage Insurance for Disaster Victims-http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/ins/203h-dft
Rehab Mortgage Insurance-http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/203k/203k–df
Voluntary/Non-Governmental Organizations:
Volunteer Florida/Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
For Crisis Cleanup, the public can call 800-451-1954. This hotline will connect survivors with reputable and vetted relief agencies that will assist in mud-outs, debris removal, and cleaning up homes, as they are able. All services are free, but service is not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need.
Volunteer Florida is collecting donations through the Florida Disaster Fund and has identified over 2,000 spontaneous volunteers in order to assist survivors. To help, visit https://www.volunteerflorida.org/irma/
Florida Housing’s State Housing Initiatives Partnership
Florida Housing’s State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program may be available for residents who have experienced damage to their home or rental due to Hurricane Irma. You can locate the SHIP office in your area using the following link:
Florida Manufactured Housing Association
The Florida Manufactured Housing Association (FMHA) can assist displaced homeowners and renters to locate temporary or permanent housing following a disaster. Florida’s mobile home and manufactured housing communities may have rental sites, rental homes or homes for sale. Additionally, manufactured housing retail centers may have homes in inventory to quickly and affordably satisfy your housing needs.
For more information visit www.fmha.org, email info@fmha.org or call (850) 907-9111.
Disaster Contractors Network
If you have damage to your homes and are in need of repairs, please visit the Disaster Contractors Network. This is a website where consumers can find licensed contractors, contractors can find consumers who need help and both Consumers and contractors can find suppliers.
Go to www.dcnonline.org to register. Use of the website (such as registration and searches) is free and is funded by a state grant. The DCN registration system will not allow a contractor to select work that requires a license and register without a valid license.
Florida Realtors
To find information about available homes in your area, or to connect with a REALTOR®, please visit www.realtor.com
Legal Assistance
Do you have legal issues that need resolving due to damage related disasters? The Florida Justice Technology Center has provided a website that contains resources and information about organizations offering legal help.
For more information, visit http://floridalawhelp.org/
The YLD of the FL Bar has their legal hotline for Irma survivors up and running: 1-866-550-2929. You can also visit the FL Bar website at: //www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/administrative/disaster/fl_4337_press_release.authcheckdam.pdf
Also, Florida Free Legal Answers is an online advice clinic to match low-income Floridians with licensed attorneys who can answer basic legal questions at www.florida.freelegalanswers.org.