The recent onslaught of Hurricanes Helene and Milton has left many Tampa Bay area families displaced and searching for housing assistance and resources. The back-to-back storms have caused widespread flooding and damage, preventing numerous residents from returning to their homes.

Unprecedented Demand for Housing Assistance

Mike Sutton, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside, tells Fox 13 his group is seeing an unprecedented surge in requests for help. “We’re seeing a level of demand we’ve never experienced before,” Sutton notes. “Many people have lost everything, leading to homelessness and a need for transitional housing.”

Available Resources

Several resources are available for affected residents:

• A disaster recovery center has been established at the Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo, Pinellas County.
• The city of St. Petersburg is offering disaster assistance resources.
• FEMA is providing transitional shelter assistance for up to 90 days for eligible applicants who have registered for disaster relief.

Long-Term Housing Solutions

Habitat for Humanity is not only addressing immediate needs but also keeping track of individuals interested in future homeownership. Kevin Dorsey, a Habitat homeowner in Largo for three years, shared his experience:

“The application process considers your debt-to-income ratio, which was a challenge for us initially,” Dorsey explained. “But owning a home through Habitat has provided security for my family, especially during these recent storms. Our house only suffered minor fence damage.”

Revealing Housing Industry Gaps

Sutton believes Hurricane Milton will expose significant gaps in the housing industry. “This disaster will force a reevaluation of current housing standards, building codes, and hurricane resistance,” he stated. Sutton highlighted Habitat’s construction methods, which include steel-reinforced block walls, resulting in minimal damage to their 930+ homes in the community.

Looking Ahead

As the Tampa Bay area grapples with the aftermath of these hurricanes, the focus is on both immediate relief and long-term housing solutions. The situation underscores the importance of resilient construction and accessible homeownership programs in disaster-prone areas.

Residents affected by the hurricanes are encouraged to explore available resources and consider long-term housing options that can withstand future natural disasters.