(last update: 10-21-22)
We’re trying to keep a list of helpful resources that are available to Islanders impacted by Hurricane Ian as we work to recover from this devastating storm. If you or a local organization are providing support, please email us the information about what services you are providing and how residents may access help at Info@GPICA.org and place “Helping Pine Island” in the subject line and we will add your information to this list.
STATE/FEDERAL RESOURCES
- Disaster unemployment assistance is available to Florida businesses and residents. It’s for weeks of unemployment from Sept. 25 to April 1. For assistance call 1-800-385-3920, go to a local CareerSource Career Center or online to floridajobs.org.
- Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate through FEMA or other agencies. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
- SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans help small endeavors and most private nonprofit organizations meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Go to https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/economic-injury-disaster-loans
- The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program provides short-term, zero-interest working capital loans to “bridge the gap” between the time a disaster impacts a business and when it can secure longer-term recovery funding, such as federally or commercially available loans. On Google, search “rebuild Florida business loan fund.”
- The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey. Businesses affected by Ian can complete a damage assessment survey by visiting floridadisaster.biz/BusinessDamageAssessments and selecting “Hurricane Ian.”