Florida - Monday December 5, 2022: Governor DeSantis has announced that up to $25 million from the State of Florida will go toward purchasing building materials to conduct repairs and up to $35.2 million in generous donations made to the Florida Disaster Fund will be allocated to various housing and social service support organizations to cover the costs associated with volunteer labor, and meet other unmet needs identified on the IanRecovery.FL.gov website.
The announcement follows FEMA's denial of the Governor's request to provide impacted residents and verified volunteers with materials to conduct temporary and permanent repairs on their damaged homes.
To apply for temporary or permanent housing repairs and to connect with other important recovery resources, impacted residents can visit the Unite Florida Hurricane Ian Recovery Portal at IanRecovery.fl.gov/Unite.
$25M from Florida General Revenue Funds
Up to $25 million from the State of Florida’s general revenue fund will be dedicated to purchasing building materials to conduct temporary or permanent repairs on homes damaged by Hurricane Ian. Materials that may be purchased under this program include, but are not limited to:
• Cleaning and sanitizing products
• Concrete and cement products
• Lumber and framing accessories
• Doors and windows
• Electrical products and plumbing materials
• Roofing products required for weatherproofing
• Tools for muck and gut
“We are providing building materials and supporting nonprofit organizations to provide repairs so impacted residents can move back into their own homes,” said the Governor. “Floridians are resilient, and the state stands by them every step of the way as they continue their recovery.”
The Governor made the announcement in Fort Myers Monday. He was was joined by First Lady Casey DeSantis and Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Director Kevin Guthrie.
“It is not a matter of if people will get back on their feet, it’s when, which is why uniting communities to reduce red tape and break down bureaucracy to provide relief to Floridians is so important,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “The generous donations to the Florida Disaster Fund will go to organizations that are on the ground helping impacted residents recover. We are appreciative of the continued and overwhelming support.”
“I want to thank everyone who donated to the Florida Disaster Fund so impacted Floridians can safely begin returning to their homes,” said FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie. “The Division will continue our work to prioritize the needs of survivors and create innovative ways to support communities on their road to recovery.”
$35M from Donations Given to the Florida Disaster Fund
The $35.2 million from the Florida Disaster Fund will be used to allow verified nonprofit organizations to conduct critical temporary repairs on homes damaged by Hurricane Ian. Funds from the Disaster Fund will also address unmet needs such as transportation, food assistance, housing aid, clothing, and household goods.
The Florida Disaster Fund was spearheaded by First Lady DeSantis. It has raised more than $57 million to help with recovery in communities impacted by Hurricane Ian. The Florida Disaster Fund is the state’s private fund overseen by Volunteer Florida established to provide financial assistance to our communities as they respond to and recover from times of emergency or disaster.
Up to $25 million from the Florida Disaster Fund will be awarded to housing organizations for lodging for volunteers, protective equipment for volunteers, and other necessary supplies and commodities. Seventeen additional nonprofit organizations will receive a total of $10.2 million from the Florida Disaster Fund to address unmet needs identified through the Unite Florida portal, including:
• Feeding Florida
• Harry Chapin Food Bank
• Hope Hospice
• Safe Children Coalition
• Senior Connection Center
• Senior Friendship Centers
• Senior Resource Alliance
• Mothers Helping Mothers
• NU-HOPE Elder Care Services Inc.
• One More Child
• Osceola Council on Aging
• All Faiths Foodbank of Sarasota
• Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida
• Bridge a Life
• Children’s Network of Southwest Florida
• Community Legal Services of Mid Florida
• Elder-Source – Area Agency on Aging for Northwest Florida
In partnership with public, private, and other non-governmental organizations, the Florida Disaster Fund supports response and recovery activities. Donations are made to the Volunteer Florida Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and are tax-deductible.
To contribute, visit: www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222.
Donations may be made by credit card or by check made payable to the Volunteer Florida Foundation and should include “Florida Disaster Fund” in the memo line.