Hurricane Ian Resources - Health and Human Services

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

DUA is available to Florida businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Ian. Individuals affected in the designated-disaster areas must file DUA applications by December 30, 2022. Floridians can file a claim for loss of income caused by Hurricane Ian.

There are three ways to apply:

1) https://floridajobs.org/Reemployment-Assistance-Service-Center/reemployment-assistance/claimants/disaster-unemployment-assistance

2) Visit a local CareerSource Career Center

3) Call toll-free 800-385-3920. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.

FEMA Hotel/Motel Support

FEMA will pay hotel and motel costs for eligible survivors from counties hardest hit by Hurricane Ian. FEMA makes these payments directly to participating hotel and motels in Alabama, Florida and Georgia that provide emergency shelter to survivors.

There are three ways to apply:

1) https://www.DisasterAssistance.gov

2) Download the FEMA App for mobile devices

3) Call toll-free 800-621-3362. The line is open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day. Help is available in many languages.

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) provides food assistance for individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Ian and who are not receiving food assistance benefits through the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, D-SNAP is implemented by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF).

To learn more about this program, please visit https://myflfamilies.com/DSNAP/

County Resources
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- Charlotte County Emergency Management - https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/departments/public-safety/emergency-management/storm.stml
- Collier County Emergency Management - https://www.colliercountyfl.gov/home
- Lee County Emergency Management - https://www.leegov.com/hurricane/storm
Community-based Resources
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- Better Together - The agency is offering childcare to first responders and essential workers in addition to their normal hosting and mentoring. If you need assistance, please visit - https://bettertogetherus.org/
- Collier CARES - Download the Collier CARES app for your iPhone or Android device or use the online system at - https://colliercares.org/cc/home
- Harry Chapin Food Bank - Providing food distribution at sites throughout the region. For more information, follow updates at https://harrychapinfoodbank.org/ian/
- Salvation Army (Bonita Springs) - Providing daily food and supply distribution as items are available at their location at 26820 Old, US-41, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. For more information, follow updates at - https://www.facebook.com/SalArmyBonitaEstero/
- United Way of Lee, Glades, Hendry - Dial 2-1-1 on your phone or search the database of providers at - https://unitedwaylee.org/need-help
Federal Resources
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- FEMA Individual Assistance - Register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or download the FEMA app for your iPhone or Android device. For additional assistance, call 800-621-3362
- Operation Blue Roof - You can request to have the Army Corps of Engineers install free temporary roof tarps while you wait for insurance repairs. Contact them at 888-766-325.
Volunteering Information
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- Community Cooperative (3429 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33916) - The agency needs volunteers to coordinate the management and distribution of supplies. They will need individuals daily for the foreseeable future. If you are interested in volunteering there, please text Kate Major, Social Services & Education Manager (and FGCU alumna), at 239-297-0059 to coordinate days and times to volunteer.
- Eva's Closet (16331 Old US 41 #101, Fort Myers, FL 33912) - The agency needs volunteers to coordinate the management and distribution of supplies. If you are interested in volunteering there, please text Jessica Goodall, Founder (and FGCU MSW alumna), at 239-339-3216 to arrange a schedule. They can also use donations of any food items, diapers/wipes, cleaning supplies, paper products, & gas cards.
- Salvation Army (26820 Old, US-41, Bonita Springs, FL 34135) - The agency needs volunteers to coordinate the management and distribution of supplies. If you are interested in volunteering there, please text Sarah Rafiq, Social Services Program Coordinator (and FGCU MSW alumna), at 239-207-4211 to arrange a schedule. They can also use donations of non-perishable foods and hygiene items.
- United Way of Lee, Glades, Hendry - Several volunteer opportunities with local organizations are listed at - https://volunteer.unitedwaylee.org/need/
- Volunteer Florida - If you would like to volunteer your time elsewhere, including virtually if possible, please visit www.volunteerflorida.org. This website provides a list of open volunteer opportunities across the state, and provides you with the information you need to begin volunteering.