To qualify for a $30,000 grant aimed at hurricane-related home repairs, Pinellas County homeowners must submit their claim to FEMA by January 7.

The Hurricane Home Repair Program, designed to assist with storm damage not covered by insurance or FEMA, has no application deadline itself but requires homeowners to have processed their insurance claims and received a FEMA award or denial letter before applying. 

Sheri Harris, Housing Development Manager for Pinellas County, explained the necessity of avoiding duplication of benefits with state funding, saying, “We needed to make sure insurance adjusters had completed their assessments and then FEMA did theirs before we could evaluate the damage.”

The program began accepting applications on December 23, and during the holiday period, it has already processed 139 applications, with 86 more pending and about 25 in the final stages.

Upon approval, the grant funds can be utilized for a range of repairs including roof work, tree removal, window replacements, HVAC and electrical repairs, mold remediation, as well as fixing drywall and flooring.

Harris emphasized the goal of both FEMA and the county, stating, “We just want to make them whole if possible. Once FEMA determines eligibility for funding, homeowners can come to us, and we’ll assess what resources we can contribute to the project.”

Eligibility for this funding extends to households earning up to 120% of the Area Median Income, which for a family of four means an annual income not exceeding $114,000.

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(Image credit: Angie Angers/ Bay News 9)