Thousands of families remain displaced following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. To help these residents secure temporary or permanent housing, the city of St. Petersburg is partnering with the Bay Area Apartment Association (BAAA) to host a Hurricane Recovery Rental Housing Fair.

This event will serve as a one-stop resource, connecting families with local housing providers. Over 40 housing communities associated with BAAA will offer hands-on application support for both short-term (6-month) and long-term (12+ month) rental opportunities.

“After 20 years on the beach, losing everything at 70 was unimaginable,” said Carol Volonilo, whose home in Indian Rocks Beach was destroyed by Hurricane Helene’s storm surge. She described the stark contrast between her former living room and her new one, where her furniture had floated during the flood.

Volonilo found her new home through a special offer for storm victims from Palomar Properties. Cassi Harbuck, Palomar’s Regional Director, explained that they expedited applications to assist those displaced by the hurricanes.

“At one community alone, we have 18 apartments housing 47 residents who were displaced by the storm,” Harbuck said.

Palomar, a BAAA affiliate, is collaborating with the city to host the housing fair. Attendees will be matched with more than 40 housing providers offering special considerations, such as flexible lease terms and rental assistance.

“We are waiving the application fee because these moves were unexpected,” Harbuck added.

Avery Skyler, St. Petersburg’s Housing and Community Development Director, emphasized the department’s goal to create housing stability for those impacted by the hurricanes.

For Volonilo, the experience has offered a new outlook on life. She expressed gratitude for her new home.

“I went to the beach, and it’s not the same,” she said. “I’m very happy in my apartment.”

The Hurricane Recovery Rental Housing Fair will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 22, from 3 to 7 p.m., at the Coliseum. Housing applications can be submitted on-site. Attendees should bring their driver’s license, social security number, and proof of income.

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(Image credit: Mapquest)